Another Tampa native reaches Cooperstown
Tampa has been long known as one of America’s leading baseball cities for producing a volume of top talent and fostering baseball culture. The roster of elite players from Tampa grew in December with the announcement that Tony LaRussa – born and raised in West Tampa – was unanimously voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY. He joins Al Lopez and Wade Boggs in adding to Tampa’s rich baseball legacy in the Hall of Fame.
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Tony LaRussa played shortstop for Jefferson Dragons in 1962. Photo credit: TampaPix.com
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Widely known for his managerial accomplishments, LaRussa graduated from Jefferson High School and was drafted as a player by the Kansas City Royals in 1963. LaRussa spent 10 years as a pro and in the Minor and Major leagues.
The White Sox offered LaRussa his first opportunity as a manager in 1979, which spurred one of the most illustrious careers of any manager in baseball history: three World Series Championships, six league pennants and 12 division championships. He holds the distinction of having the third most wins of any manager with a staggering 2,728 wins over 33 years, and is succeeded only by Connie Mack and John McGraw.
The Tampa Baseball Museum at the Al Lopez House congratulates Tony LaRussa on his acceptance into the Baseball Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony will take place July 27, 2014.
