Let’s give it up for Tony La Russa.
Not just because he was born in Tampa and managed the improbable St. Louis Cardinals to their World Series win this season. Not just because he’s done it before and is one of only two Major League managers to have won a World Series in both leagues. Not just because he’s the third winningest manager in MLB history. Not just because his name belongs in the context of iconic ones such as Connie Mack and John McGraw. And not just because he’s a lock for the Hall of Fame in 2013–his first year of eligibility.
No, let’s also hear it for the Ybor City native, 67, because he went out on top–as classy a departure as there can be. And all too rare. You couldn’t script it any better.
When it comes to the sports arena, too many of the great ones hang on too long–consequently diminishing themselves. Think the final, sad seasons of Willie Mays and Hank Aaron. The final bouts of Muhammad Ali and Joe Lewis. The last loss of Sugar Ray Leonard. The erstwhile greats overstaying their fame outnumber the Rocky Marcianos. They always do.
The reasons are largely two-fold: Money and ego. Such high achievers can still market themselves for a few more big paydays. And, as Leonard candidly conceded, “It’s hard to leave center stage.”
And sometimes it’s just bad timing. Think: Lou Piniella, La Russa’s Tampa-born, MLB counterpart.
Piniella’s managerial track record had put him in the Hall of Fame conversation. But coming back home to preside over the losing, pre-Joe Maddon Rays hardly helped. He also left early. Then a winning stint in Chicago for three years. But there was a fourth year–2010. His Cubs’ team finished last, and they were 23 games under .500 when he called it a career and shuffled off.
By contrast, La Russa was able to conclude his career–not just have it end. There’s a difference. Ted Williams, who hit a home run in his last-ever at bat, would have understood. So would Sandy Koufax and Jim Brown. They are the exceptions. And now Tony La Russa of Jefferson High and USF is among them. He can’t top what he just did, a career-crowning accomplishment.
Well done. Exceptionally well done.