WASHINGTON (AFP) — Tony La Russa, who guided three Major League Baseball championship teams, said he is stepping down as manager of the Chicago White Sox over health issues that have sidelined him since August.
The 77-year-old has not managed a game since doctors told him on 30 August he needed more tests related to a heart issue.
La Russa, who turns 78 Tuesday on the eve of the final day of the season, stepped away from the team because of an issue with a pacemaker installed in February.
A second issue, discovered during medical exams and not disclosed by La Russa, forced him into an indefinite leave.
“While I was inactive with the pacemaker, the second issue was analyzed,” he said.
“The result is that a corrective plan has been developed by my medical team and implementation has begun.”
“My overall prognosis is good, and I want to thank everyone who has reached out to me with well wishes related to my health.”
While La Russa said his issues did not impact his responsibilities as White Sox manager, he could not move forward in the role.
“It has become obvious that the length of the treatment and recovery process for this second health issue makes it impossible for me to be the White Sox manager in 2023,” La Russa said.
“The timing of this announcement now enables the front office to include filling the manager position with their other off-season priorities.”
La Russa managed the Oakland Athletics to the 1989 World Series crown and guided the St. Louis Cardinals to the World Series title in 2006 and 2011, after which he promptly retired.
La Russa, who was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014, served as an Major League Baseball executive and in various roles for clubs for a decade until returning to a managerial role with the White Sox last year, becoming the oldest manager in the major leagues and the first Hall of Famer to step back into such a post.
The White Sox went 93-69 last year to win the American League Central division crown but lost to Houston in the playoffs.
This season, the White Sox are 79-80 and failed to qualify for the playoffs.
La Russa guided Chicago to a 63-65 record this year, leaving his career MLB mark at 2,882-2,495.
