This archive report was first published on 8 October 2021.
Published on October 8, 2021, Tony La Russa, the legendary Hall of Fame manager, has returned to the Chicago White Sox after a decade-long absence. He managed the team from 1979 to 1986 and again from 1991 to 2011, winning six pennants and three championships.
La Russa's return to Chicago has been met with excitement, particularly from his players. Lucas Giolito, who will start Game 2 on Friday, praised La Russa's approach, saying, 'I was expecting Tony La Russa, Hall of Fame manager, to be very strict, to be very like: 'I'm in charge. This is what we're going to do.' But instead, he told me that: 'I'm coming over. This is your guys' team, and I'm going to work every day to earn your respect starting in Day 1 of spring training.' And he's done that.'
La Russa's departure from the White Sox in 1986 was a regrettable moment for owner Jerry Reinsdorf. The team has not won a World Series with La Russa at the helm, making this season a chance for redemption.
La Russa's admiration for the current team is evident. 'This club has inspired me,' he said during batting practice before Game 1 in Houston. 'It's a very spirited bunch. In years past, we've had some clubs that had something like this — a vocal spirit — but this is a real spirited bunch all the time, from the minute you walk in the clubhouse to their pregame, during the game, after the game.'
Meanwhile, Dusty Baker, the Houston Astros manager, has a history with La Russa. Like La Russa, who inherited a playoff team from the previous manager, Baker took over a strong Astros team before last season. The Astros were coming off an A.L. pennant, but they fired Manager A.J. Hinch after revelations of illegal sign stealing during their 2017 title run.
