Tony LaRussa Salutes Many Who Helped Him

Tony La Russa, feeling the urgency to wrap up a Hall of Fame induction speech that lasted 17 minutes, 26 seconds Sunday, noted afterward with some measure of horror that he had neglected to mention the baseball legend who had helped him start his managing career and the baseball legend who was there at the end of it.

Post-Dispatch

Tony LaRussa: Support System Key To Hall Of Fame Career

Tony La Russa had just been hired to manage the Double-A Knoxville Sox in 1978, the first step on a journey that led to his induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame on Sunday. Before Opening Day that season, White Sox player personnel advisor Paul Richards came to town to introduce him at a Chamber of Commerce luncheon.
St. Louis Official Site

Tony La Russa, feeling the urgency to wrap up a Hall of Fame induction speech that lasted 17 minutes, 26 seconds Sunday, noted afterward with some measure of horror that he had neglected to mention the baseball legend who had helped him start his managing career and the baseball legend who was there at the end of it.
Post-Dispatch

Unlikely Managerial Returns

Terry Collins—really? Terry Collins?

I doubt I was the only person to have that reaction when the Mets named Collins as their new skipper last month. Sure Collins had a winning record in his career after two previous stints managing the Astros and Angels, but it seemed like a very unexpected blast from the past. He last managed a MLB game in 1999 and frankly hasn't been thought about much since then.

The Hardball Times

Contractual Matters: The White Rat Reluctant

n his 44-year career in professional baseball, Hall of Famer Whitey Herzog held a wide variety of job titles: player, scout, coach, director of player development, manager and general manager. He earned his place in Cooperstown for his 18 years as a manager, which included 1,281 victories, three pennants, and a World Series title. But Herzog also boasts an impressive resume as a general manager, though the job was one he never particularly wanted or enjoyed.

Baseball Prospectus

The League Award: 1931-69

To the surprise of no one, Albert Pujols won his third MVP award this year. Since entering the majors, Pujols has more or less been in the award-winning business, and those MVPs will count nicely toward a Hall of Fame induction. (I could be presumptuous here, but as Albert's about to enter his 10th season, I can't imagine him not making it off his accomplishments to date.)

The Hardball Times

Book Exerpt: "Evaluating Baseball's Managers" - Charles Comiskey

THT is publishing excerpts from Evaluating Baseball's Managers, 1876-2008, which should be released in December, but can be ordered now. (I should note I make considerably more money if you order directly from the publisher, but if you want to get it from Amazon or another source that's your call.)

The Hardball Times

Book Excerpt: Evaluating Baseball's Managers 1876-2008

For the next few weeks, THT will publish excerpts from my new book Evaluating Baseball's Managers, 1876-2008, which is scheduled for release in December, but can be ordered now. Please note, as an added bonus, and for a special limited time only, if you order it now you will get at no additional charge—new book smell!! (I should note I make considerably more money if you order directly from the publisher, but if you want to get it from Amazon or another source that's your call.)

The Hardball Times

You Could Look It Up: You Can Spell 'Genius' With IBB

I've always been eager to learn more about the longtime baseball manager and executive Paul Richards, a personage who, in the 1950s, helped bring the White Sox and Orioles out of long dark ages, and also served as general manager of the expansion-era Astros and the division-winning 1969 Braves.

Baseball Prospectus

Memphis Redbirds Win Their Division; Lining Up The Lineup

It will be at least a week before the Cardinals get reinforcements from the minors.

The Memphis Redbirds, many of whom have played with the Cardinals this season, wrapped up the American North division title in the Pacific Coast League by winning a doubleheader from Oklahoma City on Saturday night.
STL Today

Cardinals manager Tony La Russa, who sat five regular players Saturday and did not suffer thanks to Albert Pujols' pinch homer in the 10th inning, said he had discussed late Friday night his potential lineup changes for Saturday with some of his coaches. Those included Mike Matheny, the former Cardinals catcher who is on this trip to observe.
STL Today