Lou Piniella spent 18 years in the major leagues as a player (NYY, KCR, CLE, BAL), 23 years as a manager (Yankees, Reds, Mariners, Rays, Cubs), won three World Series rings and ranks 14th on the all-time managerial wins list (1,835 Wins).
CHICAGO — Lou Piniella’s long and colorful career has spanned 48 years, from an aggressive outfielder with a sharp batting eye to a successful manager whose highlight-reel base-throwing tantrums sometimes overshadowed his baseball acumen.His family, from his relatives to his teammates and players, always has come first. And that’s why the leader of the Chicago Cubs decided to step down after Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Braves — he wants to spend more time with his ailing mother.
I have a feeling we haven’t seen the last of “Sweet Lou.”
Ray Rothfeldt
M. B. Rozell
Kevin Rozell
Thanks Zell.
I loved watching Lou play. He made a crucial defensive play in the outfield during the Bucky Dent game in 1978 that is often overlooked. I loved his tantrums, sometimes he would pound the plate with both fists when he was called out on a close play there!!! He was all heart.
He learned to manage watching Billy, just as Billy learned from Casey. He was a great Yankee, I hope he finds peace and health in his retirement.
Gee, ya think Mike Quaide can pull the Cubs together and make a run for the playoffs? ;)
That play Lou made in the Bucky Dent game isn’t overlooked. I see it whenever there’s a recap of that game. He’s blinded by the sun, the ball bounces like 2 feet in front of him and bounds to the left and he sticks out his bare hand and miraculously catches it and fires it back to the infield, keeping a run from scoring. Overlooked my ass!!! ;)
Those aren’t “Boos” theyre “Lou’s”!!!
Lou, like Don Zimmer, will never be far from the game. He’s one of those guys who live for baseball. But managing that collection of malcontents, never-were’s and never-will-be’s in Wrigley would wear anyone down.