Tony La Russa inducted into the Hall of Fame
The former Athletics and Cardinals manager was officially inducted into the Hall of Fame on Sunday.
The four-time Manager of the Year was introduced by Bud Selig and Jane Forbes Clark after a video tribute featuring an interview with La Russa’s former pitching coach, Dave Duncan.
La Russa, 69, won six pennants and three World Series titles in 33 years managing the White Sox, Athletics, and Cardinals.
He reminisced on his time with each club and summed up his feelings by saying, “Loving and learning. That’s what’s carried us.”
He mentioned his brief career as a player, noting an old adage mentioned in reference to him. “The worst players make the best managers, so this guy oughta be pretty good.”
La Russa thanked his children, his wife, Elaine, and many others -- including Harold Baines, Carlton Fisk, Tom Seaver, Jerry Koosman and Greg Luzinski from his early years with the White Sox. He also mentioned Carney Lansford, Dave Henderson and Dave Stewart from his days in Oakland. All three were in attendance.
On Dave Stewart: “I used to communicate with Stew by just listening to him and doing what he said.” He noted one exception.
During a game Stewart was giving up a lot of doubles to the gaps, La Russa came out to remove Stewart from the game. "Stew, I've got to get you."
"Why? I'm not tired."
"Yeah, but the outfielders are."
.@TonyLaRussa receives his @BaseballHall plaque. #HOFWKND pic.twitter.com/jKCZqxkcCe
— MLB (@MLB) July 27, 2014 La Russa specifically mentioned Albert Pujols, saying he hoped his former first baseman would be in Cooperstown someday. He also mentioned Dave McKay, Joe Pettini, Charlie Lau, and Dave Duncan -- who he claimed earned his clubs "hundreds of wins" over the years.
Bill Parcells was in attendance as well and was mentioned by La Russa in his speech. He also noted the work of Selig: “I want to commend you for the work you’ve done.”
He quoted Paul Richards: “When you manage you’ll never have a completely happy day.” He said even if you win the World Series, you never have a completely happy day.
Speaking of himself, La Russa said: “Tony is prepared and the team is prepared.” That wasn’t a correct characterization, he said. “Preparing is studying for the test ... We took the test.”
#FirstLook: Tony La Russa's Hall of Fame plaque. #HOFWKND pic.twitter.com/KSVXsUvU7E
— Baseball Hall (@BaseballHall) July 27, 2014 
