Advertisement

Cardinals to bring La Russa back

St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony La Russa talks with reporters in the team clubhouse after he has agreed to a one year contract to manage the team for the 2011 season, in St. Louis on October 19, 2010. LaRussa has been the Cardinals manager since 1996. UPI/Bill Greenblatt
1 of 2 | St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony La Russa talks with reporters in the team clubhouse after he has agreed to a one year contract to manage the team for the 2011 season, in St. Louis on October 19, 2010. LaRussa has been the Cardinals manager since 1996. UPI/Bill Greenblatt | License Photo

ST. LOUIS, Oct. 18 (UPI) -- Tony La Russa, No. 3 on the all-time win list for major-league managers, will return for a 16th season of leading the St. Louis Cardinals, the team said Monday.

La Russa, 66, agreed to a one-year contract with an option for 2012.

Advertisement

He has been the Cardinals' manager since 1996, leading the team to seven division titles and the 2006 World Series championship.

"We are excited to have Tony returning and are looking forward to 2011," Cardinals Chairman Bill DeWitt, Jr. said "He has guided the team in one of the greatest eras in Cardinals history and we are pleased that he will continue that leadership next season."

St. Louis was 86-76 this past season, with those victories pushing La Russa's win total to 2,638 over 33 seasons as a manager. He trails only Connie Mack (3,731) and John McGraw (2,763) on the all-time win list.

He previously managed the Chicago White Sox (1979-86) and Oakland Athletics (1986-1995) and is one of two managers -- Sparky Anderson is the other -- to have won World Series titles with teams in each league.

Advertisement

Latest Headlines