(AP) ST. LOUIS — Tony La Russa retired as manager of the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday, three days after winning a dramatic, seven-game World Series against the Texas Rangers. The 67-year-old La Russa announced his retirement at a news conference at Busch Stadium.
La Russa managed the Oakland A's for 10 years, from 1986 to 1995, winning three pennants and one World Series. He also played for the A's for five years. In 1991, he and his wife Elaine founded the Animal Rescue Foundation, in Walnut Creek,
The World Series win over Texas was the third of La Russa's 33-year career. The manager guided the Cardinals to the championship despite being 10 1/2 games behind Atlanta on Aug. 25 for the final playoff spot in the National League.
La Russa retires third on the all-time wins list, 35 behind John McGraw. In addition to this season, he won championships in Oakland in 1989 and St. Louis in 2006.
"Other than some of personal attachments, I feel good," La Russa said. "I feel good that this is the right decision and there's something out there."
- La Russa career managerial record (BaseballReference.com)