In a shocking turn of events, the Chicago White Soxdecided to turn from A.J. Hinch and hire retired legend Tony La Russa as their new manager, following the firing of Rick RenterĆa after being knocked out of the postseason.
La Russa had retired from coaching after winning the World Series ā his third title ā with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2011, but Jerry Reinsdorf convinced him of coming back, acknowledging that letting him go in 1986 was a mistake that still haunted him to this day.
And, while this hiring could be solid from a baseball standpoint, there were still some concerns regarding how would La Russa fit in todayās game, especially after his comments over kneeling during the anthem a couple of years ago.
Tony La Russa Says He Doesnāt Have A Racist Bone In His Body
Back when he was the Arizona Diamondbacksā Chief Baseball Officer in 2016. La Russa said Colin Kaepernickās protest was disrespectful and that he didnāt want the players from the teamfollowing his lead.
Thatās why he had to clarify that heās changed his mind ever since and that not only heās not a racist but that heāll fully support the players who decide to make the most of their platform to protest:
āNot only do I respect, but I applaud the awareness thatās come into not just society but especially sports. (ā¦) Thereās not a racist bone in my body,ā La Russa said in his press conference.
Itās also worth noting that at least 5 players from the Chicago White Sox organization took a knee during the season. A lot has changed in baseball since he last coached but his World Series experience and feel for the game will certainly lead the team in the right direction.
