(Chicago) Tony La Russa resigned as manager of the Chicago White Sox on Monday due to a heart condition.
Posted at 5:37 p.m.
The resignation puts an end to a disappointing two-year stint of the member of the Baseball Hall of Fame with the team that gave him his first chance as manager in the Major Leagues.
La Russa, who has won the World Series three times and who will celebrate his 78e birthday on Tuesday, missed the final 34 games of the White Sox season. He left the team on August 30 and doctors told him not to return to the shelter.
La Russa had a pacemaker implanted in February and later doctors discovered a heart problem which he had not detailed.
“It has become apparent that the length of the treatment and recovery process for this second medical condition precludes me from being manager of the White Sox in 2023,” he said in a statement. The timing of this announcement allows management to include recruiting a new manager among their other offseason priorities. »
The White Sox started the season with World Series hopes, but it all fell apart due to injuries and inconsistent play. The team was 79-80 going into Monday’s game against the Minnesota Twins.
“Our record this season shows the reality. This is an unacceptable disappointment. There were positives, but far too many negatives, added La Russa. I was hired to provide positive leadership and support that makes a difference. Our record is proof that I didn’t do my job. »
Bench coach Miguel Cairo took over in La Russa’s absence. The White Sox showed signs of a change, winning 10 of their next 14 outings, but suffered eight straight losses in September to hurt their playoff chances.