Cardinals Preserve Baseball Lifer

On Monday, the St. Louis Cardinals retained Manager Tony La Russa. La Russa signed a two-year contract. According to pitcher Russ Springer, the decision was obvious. “I've played for a lot of managers and as far as running a bullpen, I'd put him up there with Bobby Cox as the best in the majors,” Springer said. “He's a winning manager, the fans love him and he gets respect from managers across the league.”

During his career, La Russa has logged 2,375-2,070 ledger. He has garnered two World Series championships, five league championships, and ten division championships. In St. Louis, he has accrued a 1,055-887 record. In Oakland, he tallied a 798-673 mark. In Chicago, he was 522-510.

La Russa is baseball. He is calculating and shrewd. His thought processes are methodical. His criticism and speech are measured. La Russa is not perfect. His genius is exaggerated. With that stated, his core is ash. His fiber is horsehide. His memoir is a lineup card. His existence comprises nine innings.