Tony La Russa Biography: Net Worth, Awards, Age, Siblings, Parents, Wife, Children, Wikipedia

Anthony La Russa Jr. is a former American professional baseball player, coach, and manager with an extensive career in Major League Baseball (MLB) spanning from 1963 to 2022.

He is best known for his tenure as the St. Louis Cardinals, Oakland Athletics, and Chicago White Sox manager.

Over 33 years as a manager, La Russa led his teams to three World Series championships, six league titles, and 13 division titles. His managerial record of 2,884 MLB wins ranks second only to Connie Mack’s.

Profile

• Full Name: Anthony La Russa Jr.
• Stage Name: Tony La Russa
• Born: October 4, 1944
• Age: 80 years old
• Birthplace: Tampa, Florida, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: American former professional baseball player, coach, and manager
• Height: 1.82 m
• Parent: Anthony and Olivia (Cuervo) La Russa
• Siblings: Eva Fojaco
• Spouse: Elaine Coker (m. 1973), Luzette Sarcone (m. 1965–1973)
• Children: Bianca La Russa, Devon La Russa, Averie La Russa ,Andrea La Russa
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $20 million

Early Life And Education

Anthony La Russa Jr. was born in Tampa, Florida, on October 4, 1944, to parents Anthony and Olivia (Cuervo) La Russa.

He was raised in Ybor City, Florida, a neighbourhood where his parents met while working in the local cigar factory. La Russa has one sister, Eva Fojaco.

After graduating from Jefferson High School in Tampa, La Russa signed with the Kansas City Athletics in June 1962 as a middle infielder.

His contract included a provision that the Athletics would cover his college education at the University of South Florida.

La Russa is of Italian and Spanish descent, reflecting his diverse heritage. Although his religious beliefs are not publicly known.

Career

Tony La Russa began his baseball career in 1963 as a player with the Kansas City Athletics.

Over the next five years, he played for several teams, including the Oakland Athletics, Atlanta Braves, and Chicago Cubs.

However, injuries, particularly a shoulder issue, led him to shift focus away from playing. He earned a degree in Industrial Management from the University of South Florida in 1969 and later a Juris Doctor from Florida State University in 1978.

La Russa’s path to management began in 1978 when the Chicago White Sox gave him his first managerial role with their Double-A affiliate, the Knoxville Sox.

He would gain significant experience as a manager with the Oakland Athletics, inheriting a struggling team in 1986.

Under his leadership, the A’s rebounded, finishing third that season, laying the groundwork for his later success.

In the 1990s, La Russa took over as manager of the St. Louis Cardinals, where his managerial philosophy flourished.

During his tenure, the team led the National League in runs scored and allowed the fewest runs, helping the Cardinals win numerous division titles and World Series appearances. La Russa’s strategic acumen was instrumental in turning the team into a perennial contender in the MLB.

After various roles within MLB, La Russa returned to the White Sox as manager in 2020, replacing Rick Renteria.

At 76, he became the oldest active manager in MLB history. That season, La Russa led the White Sox to their first AL Central title since 2008, further cementing his legacy as a respected figure in the sport.

La Russa’s return to management was challenged despite his success, especially in 2021. The White Sox struggled in the postseason, and La Russa faced criticism for some in-game decisions. Health concerns also arose during the season, leading to a break and La Russa’s retirement.

In 2022, La Russa retired from managing due to health issues at 77, marking the end of an illustrious managerial career.

His 2,884 wins ranked him second in MLB history, behind only Connie Mack. La Russa’s impact on the game is immeasurable, with his leadership influencing both the teams he managed and the broader baseball landscape.

Shortly after he retired from the playing field, La Russa took a position with MLB, assisting former managerial rival Joe Torre in matters of on-field discipline. He held this position for more than two seasons.

Awards and Nominations

• Manager of the Year Awards: 4 times (1983, 1988, 1992 – AL; 2002 – NL).
• World Series Titles: 3 (1989 with the Oakland Athletics; 2006 and 2011 with the St. Louis Cardinals).
• Hall of Fame Inductions: Baseball Hall of Fame (2014), St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame (2014), and Missouri Sports Hall of Fame (2006).
• Lifetime Achievement Award: MLB Players Alumni Association (2019).

Social Media

• Instagram handle: @tonyrussa
• Twitter handle: @TonyLaRussa

Personal Life

Tony La Russa has been married twice. He married Elaine Coker on December 31, 1973, and they have two daughters, Bianca Tai and Devon Kai.

Elaine is known for her love of heavy metal music and frequently attends concerts, immersing herself in the music scene.

Before his marriage to Elaine, La Russa married Luzette Sarcone in 1965, and they divorced in 1973. They had two daughters, Averie La Russa and Andrea La Russa.

Net Worth

Tony La Russa’s estimated net worth is $20 million.

His wealth largely stems from his long and successful career as a baseball manager, particularly with the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago White Sox.

Throughout his career, he earned substantial salaries, including a final contract valued at $11.25 million over three years.