La Russa’s stint with White Sox comes to a close

Chicago White Sox Manager Tony La Russa announced in a statement Monday that he is stepping down from his current position. With an ongoing health concern regarding his pacemaker, his doctors recommended he step away from the team at the end of August.

Though he was scheduled to begin spring training with the installation of a pacemaker earlier this year, an annual private exam suggested a second health issue that resulted in the implementation of a corrective plan. While La Russa claims his overall prognosis is good, he must remain out of uniform as White Sox manager in 2023 due to the length of the treatment and recovery process of this second health issue.

Tony La Russa is stepping down as White Sox manager because of health concerns, he announced Monday.

La Russa noted that his "overall prognosis is good, and I want to thank everyone who has reached out to me with well wishes related to my health."https://t.co/7B1ZlgOqGm

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 3, 2022

La Russa and the White Sox

The final reality centers around the White Sox record this season. La Russa admitted that although his condition did not necessarily have a negative impact on his responsibility as manager, the season has been an unacceptable disappointment. He said he regrets to inform fans that he wasn’t able to provide the difference-making leadership and support the team needs.

Nonetheless, he appreciates the opportunity to come back a second time with the White Sox. Initially under Jerry Reinsdorf from 1979 until the 1986 season, La Russa had a positive impact on the team. He led them to a 99-win season and a division title in 1983. Unfortunately, the team’s winning percentage has rapidly declined since then, despite playing in possibly the weakest division in baseball. This season, the White Sox’s winning percentage has stayed around .500.

Though his second tenure was not as rewarding, La Russa said that he wishes nothing but the best for the White Sox. He said that he predicts a bright future for the team as he closes out a curiously stellar career in the dugout.

Get well soon, Tony.

— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) October 4, 2022