Is Tony Larussa Sick? Why He Is Taking a Medical Leave of Absence?

The manager of the Chicago White Sox in Major League Baseball is Anthony La Russa Jr., an American professional baseball instructor and former player born on October 4, 1944. (MLB). His MLB career, which has included many jobs, has lasted from 1963 until the present.

He formerly served as Oakland Athletics and St. Louis Cardinals manager. La Russa managed his clubs for 33 years, winning 13 division crowns, six league championships, and three World Series. His 2,848 victories rank second among big league managers, only behind Connie Mack’s total.

Heart Issue

The White Sox made the announcement this afternoon that manager Tony La Russa will be away from the organization indefinitely to address an unidentified medical issue. He is reportedly receiving heart testing, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today.

tony larussa illness

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On the recommendation of the physicians, the seasoned captain missed last night’s game. After testing this morning, the team said that he will now go back to his Arizona home to consult with his own doctors.

Last night against the Royals, bench coach Miguel Cairo served in the managerial capacity. During La Russa’s absence, the former MLB infielder will continue to serve in that position. Cairo disclosed to the media that he had spoken with La Russa about in-game tactics (link via The Athletic).

There are 33 games left in the White Sox’s regular season, including tonight’s game. Chicago, who has suffered five straight losses, begins to play on Wednesday with a 63-66 record, six games behind the Guardians in the AL Central.

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La Russa, 77, is in his second year as Chicago’s manager. He was hired during the offseason of 2020–21, and his deal is supposedly good until 2023. La Russa has our best wishes for a quick recovery and our condolences from MLBTR.

Executive Career

La Russa joined MLB shortly after his playing career came to an end, working with former manager rival Joe Torre to enforce on-field rules. More than two seasons passed while he was in this capacity.

On May 17, 2014, La Russa agreed to join the Arizona Diamondbacks as their Chief Baseball Officer, in charge of all baseball operations.

tony larussa illness

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Roland Hemond, the general manager who chose La Russa to manage the White Sox in 1979, and his former assistants Duncan and McKay were all there when La Russa joined the Diamondbacks in 2014.

The Diamondbacks and free agency pitcher Zack Greinke reached a $206.5 million six-year deal on December 4, 2015. At the time, it was the richest contract in terms of overall value in team history and had the highest yearly average value in MLB, surpassing $34.4 million annually.

After the Diamondbacks’ dismal 93-loss campaign in 2016, which also led to the firings of general manager Dave Stewart and manager Chip Hale, La Russa was downgraded to Chief Baseball, Analyst/Advisor. La Russa resigned after the 2017 campaign.

The Boston Red Sox announced in November 2017 that La Russa had joined the organization as a vice president and Dave Dombrowski’s special assistant. The Red Sox stated in the release that La Russa will help with player development, advise the team’s coaches in both the major and minor leagues, and act as a consultant for Alex Cora, the team’s manager in the major leagues.

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After Dombrowski was released by the Red Sox following the 2019 season, La Russa joined the Red Sox for two seasons until being recruited by the Los Angeles Angels as senior counsel for baseball operations in November of that same year.

Who Is Elaine Coker, the Wife of Tony La Russa?

tony larussa illness

Bianca and Devon were born into the union after Tony and Elaine Coker exchanged vows in December 1973.

The Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation was established by Tony La Russa and Elaine to help wounded and abandoned animals.

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