Jun 2, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Chicago White Sox manager Tony La Russa (22) walks towards the dugout against the Toronto Blue Jays during the ninth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
The Philadelphia Phillies fired Joe Girardi after they got off to a disappointing start.
Former Chicago Cubs World Series-winning manager Joe Maddon was just fired by the Los Angeles Angels after a 12-game losing streak.
There is a belief that La Russa could be one of the next managers joining Girardi and Maddon on the unemployment line.
Do not believe it. The man has job security.
Please do not shoot the messenger. There are a couple of factors at play here that are keeping La Russa in charge.
The first factor in play here is the last time the Chicago White Sox fired a manager midseason was back in the mid-1990s. The Sox fired Gene Lamont after the Southsiders started the 1995 season 11-20.
Even Terry Bevington, Jerry Manuel, and Robin Ventura all were allowed to finish out their final seasons. The fans screaming for their firings were just as loud.
General manager Rick Hahn did clarify the Sox do not have an informal or formal policy of not firing managers in-season. If you think Hahn is going to pull off removing Tony La Russa, then you do not know his boss.
After losing 12 straight, Angels fired Joe Maddon. Days ago, Phils fired another World Series-winning manager, Joe Girardi. If you’re wondering if that means anything for #WhiteSox & Tony LaRussa, don’t. The Jerry Reinsdorf Factor makes it moot. I hope Maddon, 68, manages again.
— David Haugh (@DavidHaugh) June 7, 2022
Owner Jerry Reinsdorf hired La Russa back in 2020 over Hahn’s preferred choice, A.J. Hinch. The main reason for the hiring was so Reinsdorf could finally right a wrong he did towards La Russa back in 1986.
The Chicago White Sox have hired Hall of Famer Tony La Russa as their new manager. La Russa, 76, managed the White Sox from 1979-86, and his firing was owner Jerry Reinsdorf’s great regret. La Russa last managed in 2011, when he led St. Louis to a championship.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) October 29, 2020
Reinsdorf hired La Russa even after La Russa told the owner he had been charged with his second DUI offense. It seems Jerry really wants to live out his days with no regrets.