Tony La Russa

Tony La Russa had his number retired by the St. Louis Cardinals tonight, May 11th, joining the list of a legend of the most historic franchise in the Senior Circuit. Given the illustrious history and winning tradition of the Cardinals' franchise, the only recognition that will top this personal honor is La Russa's inevitable induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. The La Russa legacy will live on among members of Cardinals Nation forever. It is much, much more likely that he endures as the winningest manager in club history and that his era is remembered for unusual stability and success that actually gets more credit as it falls further into history. Three pennants and two World Series titles put La Russa on the podium with Billy Southworth and Whitey Herzog. Who stands atop the trio is more a matter of personal taste than it is a show of wins, losses, pennants, and trophies. All three of them share a similar success as Cardinals’ skipper. It’s the 16 years that La Russa spent in the role and the 1,408 wins that will be La Russa’s legacy.

I myself witnessed the greatness of "TLR" as he is known to Cardinals fans. Going to games and winning games with his wit and prepardness. Not a single manager was ever more prepared for a game than Tony La Russa. His obsession became known to the public in Three Nights in August, a must read for baseball strategists. When I met Mr. La Russa this spring, I couldn't help but think of how much this man has done for Cardinals Nation and what he has done for me personally. His team's played with the old school flare that is lost in the modern game. He protected his players and would go to war with them. Just ask Ryan Braun how Tony La Russa payback feels #GetOffTheJuiceRyan. However, the thing I myself most appreciate about La Russa's years with the Cardinals is the consistency the Cardinals had. The Cardinals were always near the top of the division and made summer the greatest season because there is nothing like a day baseball game in Busch Stadium on a nice July day.

La Russa will more than likely get voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame (he should) but he should not be the only one of his tenure. TLR would not have been so successful without the greatest pitching coach of all time, Dave Duncan. The simple phrase "Dave Duncan Will Heal You" speaks dividends to how many pitchers had their careers rejuvinated because of Duncan. Dave Duncan should be in the Hall of Fame. That's a whole other entry though. For this I leave you with these fast facts about Tony La Russa:

1. Only 2 Managers have more Major League Wins than TLR; Connie Mack and John McGraw

2. TLR is a Vegatarian

3. TLR practically invented the modern day bullpen with a closer, set-up man, and middle reliever

Thank you for the memories TLR.