Chicago White Sox Tony La Russa announces retirement due to health issues

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago White Sox manager Tony La Russa announced he is retiring Monday.

In a press release, La Russa said he is retiring due to multiple health issues, which he says make it "impossible for me to be the White Sox manager in 2023."

La Russa left the White Sox before an August 30 game to deal with a heart issue that he said had to do with a pacemaker he had installed in February. While the pacemaker issue was being dealt with in Arizona, La Russa said doctors identified a second health issue that he did not elaborate on.

While La Russa said a "corrective plan" has been devised for that second health issue, the length of the treatment and recovery made the necessity of his retirement clear to him.

"The timing of this announcement now enables the front office to include filling the manager position with their other off-season priorities," La Russa said.

Bench coach Miguel Cairo has filled in for La Russa during his absence.

The Hall of Fame manager came out of retirement to manage the White Sox last season, winning the American League Central title. However, the White Sox failed to reach the postseason this season.

"I am sincerely disappointed that I am leaving without the opportunity to finish what I was brought in to do. I still appreciate the chance to come back home to the White Sox and leave today with many more good memories than disappointments," La Russa said in his statement.

"He had a chance and he made a goal of it, it just didn't happen unfortunately. We sure appreciated his efforts and God bless him," said fan Jamie Ekx.

La Russa previously managed the White Sox from 1979 to 1986. He turns 78 Tuesday.