Lou Piniella tears up as he waves his cap to the Wrigley Field crowd on Sunday. (Nuccio DiNuzzo/Tribune) More Lou Piniella photos
He has been wearing a professional baseball uniform since 1962 in Selma, Ala, and so it was understandable that the final realization "of my last time to put on my uniform" made Lou Piniella cry openly and unashamedly.
Sunday was what he called his "final final," as he peeled off his Cubbie blues and prepared to go home to Tampa to tend his ailing 90-year-old mother.
"It's been very special to me," Piniella said between the tears. "I'm going to go home and do the things I have to do and enjoy my retirement."
"I didn't think my career would end this way but, you know, my mom needs me home," he said. "She hasn't gotten any better since I've been (back). She's had a couple other complications, and rather than continue to go home, come back . . . it's not fair to the team, it's not fair to the players.
"So the best thing is just to step down and go home and take care of my mother. That's basically it. I've enjoyed it here. In four wonderful years I've made a lot of friends and had some success. This year has been a little bit of a struggle. But, look, family is important, it comes first. My mom needs me home and that's where I'm going."
Piniella's managerial seat for at least the rest of this season will go to Cubs' third base coach Mike Quade, who will receive strong consideration for the permanent job. Alan Trammell will be remain as bench coach, but is not a candidate for next season.
Piniella departs with a 316-293 record in three-plus Chicago seasons, including Sunday's 16-5 loss to the Braves at Wrigley Field. But that includes becoming the first Cubs manager in 100 years with consecutive post-season appearances 2007 and '08.
He played in the major leagues for 18 years, most notably with the Yankees where he appeared in four World Series. He managed for nearly 23 seasons and was manager of the year three separate times. His 1990 Reds won the World Series.
His leaves as the 14th winningest manager in baseball history.
"It's been a long time," he said. "I've been blessed. God's given me the health and the ability to do this job and I'm appreciative.
"When I announced my retirement earlier in the season I thought, we'll finish the year and go from there. Unfortunately, that hasn't happened. I'll have plenty of time to reflect."
When asked if broadcasting - something he did before he took the Cubs job - or a front-office consulting post was in his future, he said:
"I haven't given my future any thought at all."
Piniella leaves with the respect of the Cubs' front office and most of the clubhouse. "From last August on, it hasn't gone the way anybody would like, but from a personal view, I'm very indebted to Lou," said GM Jim Hendry, who hired him. "I think he did tremendous things. I hope that he gets to live the rest of his life in good health and spend a lot of time with his family."
New Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts said in a statement that Piniella "helped raise the bar here and for that we'll be forever thankful."
Pitcher Ryan Dempster, who was converted from reliever to starter under Piniella, said that "the season didn't go like we wanted it to but the most important thing is family and he gets to be with his mom and be around her."
"There's a lot of great moments," Dempster said. "Down the stretch here, I think there's been a lot more negative talk and negative feel because of where we are and let's try and remember all the good things that went on here."
Pitcher Carlos Zambrano, who was sent home after a dugout tirade by Piniella and was later suspended, refused comment.
That's just part of a very trying season for Piniella, who refused to reflect on his long and mostly glorious baseball career.
"I haven't had any time to reflect on anything," he said. "I'm not going to. I don't need to. I have plenty of time over the winter to reflect on my four years here, 19 years I've managed other places, and my career.
"I'm not much of a reflector anyway."
Want someone who could bring the Cubs their 1st World Series since 1908? Hire Oprah Winfrey and David Axelrod's son, who almost get decked by the Knicks' Antonio Davis at a Bulls game in 05-06. They have a way to win games. If Oprah managed the Cubs in the NLDS against L.A. in 2008 and she lost, she would be blubbering and crying like the fool she has been since her sorry show aired back in 1986.
OPRAH FOR CUBS MANAGER...MICHELLE OBAMA FOR CUBS G.M.....JEREMIAH WRIGHT FOR 2012 CY YOUNG!
Good luck Lou!
My goodness there are some horribly rude comments on this story. People should be ashamed of themselves. No class at all! Anyone in Lou's situation would and should put his or her family situation first. I hope Lou enjoys his retirement and his time with his ailing mother.
All the best on your decision Lou! For those who will miss Lou let me remind them and the lackeys at ESPN who think he should get into the Hall of Fame as a Manager that he was a mediocre manager at best simply based on his record. Over a 23 year span he had a .517 winning percentage. That equates to 84-78 on average. By the way that is exactly his record as manager of the Cubs with the highest payroll in the NL. And it is difficult to find even a dozen players in all those years that he helped to develop into true stars in the major leagues. Players quit playing for him and that was obvious to anyone who knows baseball. Enjoy your retirement. We won't miss you.
With Hendry in charge, the Cubs were a sure loser. He hasn't a clue, as to baseball talent, Fukedome, Murton and Bradley, need I mention any more? Lou Pinella deserve a lot better!!
Go, Atlanta!!
Mr Pinella has prioritized his values admirably and appropriately. I'm sorry that the Cubs' owners continue to prioritize theirs shamefully and inappropriately.
We were sorry about the abrupt, earlier retirement but we understand 100%. Thank you, Lou for putting up with all you put up with during your time in Chicago. God bless Lou and his family and his retirement. You're a good guy, Lou.
Why is Lou crying? He gets to leave!
It's us fans that are stuck watching this minor league team that should be crying. Lou just got paroled.
This bunch of over-priced, gutless, passion-less, losers couldn't even send Lou out with a competitive game. What an embarassing joke. Seriously, this group is supposed to be decent next year? Are you kidding???? Not next year or in ten years... The manager, who never once threw any of his players under the bus, deserved far better... but then so do the people who pay good money to watch this crap.
I watched part of Lou's post game. Chicago is a great place and so are the people. I can tell that he picked up on that. Did he ever have a say on the players that the Cubs got? I don't know? I'd say probably not. I'm sure most fans were nice to him. My problem is he seemed to be just a figure head. He never seemed to be involved with the players. It's kind of like going to the horse races as a bettor and depending on the trainer, jockey, and horse. If you win you are looked at as Wow!. If you lose, what do you know? Lou was that kind of manager and he was a lucky guy to be hired by an organization that treated him as King. I would be crying to.
Geez, what a bunch of heartless a-holes. I'm ashamed of the human race right now.
It's stupid baseball you idiots!
someone needs to take the video of his post game press conference and insert cuts of Tom Hanks from "A League of Their Own" screaming "ARE YOU CRYING? THERE'S NO CRYING IN BASE BALL! THERE'S NO CRYING IN BASEBALL!!!"
Lou:
We will miss you!
My Wife and my thoughts and prayers are with you also as we know very well how hard it must be for you right now!!
I am one of the REAL Cub fans, not the country club types who party at Wrigley these days. I've been a Cubs fan most of my life, since 1962.
You must never, ever feel like you failed!! The Tribune was to blame for most of the bad times of the last 30 years.
Selig, also, has really turned baseball into a politically correct sport for wimps and makes it very difficult for old timers like both of us to even understand things anymore!
rd
Lou,
You are right, and you are a humble man. I hope your mom recovers completely, and you do get to enjoy your retirement.
As for the so-called Cubs fans that have posted *anything other than positive comments,* they are idiots! You did your best, you took all the heat, and you still are an All-Star player/manager!!!
This is what happens when a city goes *forever* without winning the big game, nothing more. You should be proud, and you are a Hall of Famer as well!
JFK
Top 10 Cubs managers all-time:
(1) Frank Chance (4 NL pennants, 2 WS victories)
(2) Adrian "Cap" Anson (6 NL pennants)
(3) Charlie Grimm (3 NL pennants)
(4) Joe McCarthy (1 NL pennant)
(5) Fred Mitchell (1 NL pennant)
(6) Gabby Hartnett (1 NL pennant)
(7) Leo Durocher ('69 Cubs, 6 consecutive winning seasons)
(8) Three-way tie (alphabetical)
Dusty Baker (closest to WS since 1945 in 2003)
Jim Frey (next closest to WS since 1945 in 1984)
Lou Piniella (two division titles, 3 winning seasons)
Spare me the crying about Lou having to adjust his career for personal reasons.
Do we not all have personal issues to deal with?
Do we all not have family to care for, bills to pay, kids to raise and parents to look after?
When my mom died I had to make all the arrangements, pull myself together and get back to work in a matter of days since I do not have a few million in the bank like Lou does. Lou can walk away because he can afford it.
That is the way things are for 99.9 % of the world.
I believe that if the Cubs were in the middle of a pennant race Lou would be in the dugout and the fans would be talking about him being such a trooper.
You wanted him gone and now he is and you don’t have to suddenly pretend that you have compassion for him, his mother or anything else in his life.
He was just the Cubs latest scapegoat and now you can start blaming a new face come April.
That will be “Year Two” for those who were so excited to have a “real fan” owning the team.
Remember what Piniella looked like when he took this job? That was only 4 years ago. This job has AGED the man. I don't know why anyone in their right mind would want to follow in his footsteps.
As long as Wrigley is packed, the team will continue to lose. That is a very TRUE statement. As long as the owners are making money hand over fist, why would they have any incentive to change a thing? Although attendance is down this year; hopefully that means things will be changing in the right direction.
Thank you, Lou. Good luck in the future.
As long as Wrigley Field is packed, the team will never win. If the owner's stop making money from tickets, things would change.
Look at all the other teams across the country - Their stadiums are EMPTY! Which fields are always PACKED? Wrigley Field and Solider Fields - Two of the worst teams in Pro-Sports history!
Boo Hoo, love seeing those crocodile tears, those were tears of joy to get out of that dump!
Good luck Lou. Best wishes to your Mother. I don't blame you for leaving. Thanks for the wins. Wish it had gone better at the end. Sorry you were stuck with such a bunch of losers.
God bless you and your mother, Lou. I wish you well,
The real reason for Lou leaving is he can't face Cubs keeping lose in next one and half month. He was running away. Most Cubs managers have no good ending in Cubs history Lou is not an except one.
I'm glad I sent Lou a personal letter already. When I correctly entered the Captcha characters, my submission failed because the system claimed I made a mistake. Screw it, Tribune!
Has he been coaching them anyway? Most anyone could do the job he has been doing. Should have been gone before last year. Way over the hill. Rebuild from top on down. At least find a pitching staff. Hhave not been too impressed with what the staff has been doing. Don't think anyone of them have had 2 perfect innings in a row during anyone appearence. Gut it and start again.
Classy move by new ownership for not firing da ol guy.Da lousy team they field is not his fault.
Two words: THANK GOD!
What a waste of space this guy's been the last couple of seasons. The Score said it best. He looks like he's waiting for the Lovie Smith spaceship to arrive.
Can we get a manager that, oh I don't know, actually cares about winning or losing? Like the South Siders have?
I'm not a Lou Piniella fan. Seattle is my second team, and I watched Piniella squander a couple of golden opportunities when he was up there. I didn't want him hired in Chicago; I wanted Girardi at the time. And I called for him to be fired midseason of this year.
Having said that, before you guys jump to label the going-home-to-take-care-of-Mom thing as an "excuse," walk a mile in his shoes right now. Actually, I hope you don't have to. I have, unfortunately, had to do exactly what Piniella is doing right now -- quit a job and take care of a parent needing long-term care. It stinks, and it's every bit as time-consuming as Piniella says it is. Not to mention one of the most heartbreaking things you'll ever have to do. I've blasted Piniella plenty, but not over this.
Thank you Lou for all of the memories. Thank you as well for the handshake when you drove out of Wrigley Field for the last time today.
Now there is only one foul mouthed manager in Chicago.
Lou will go on a real bender tonight to celebrate not having to manager these big losers anymore.
Goodness, people! Please stop making excuses for the man and, by extension, the organization.
Has Lou been successful in the past? Yes.
Did he get this time to the playoffs a few times? Yes.
Did his team make an embarrassment of themselves in those appearances? Yes.
In those embarrassment appearances, or in the "underachieving" seasons, did he ever once really hold a player accountable? Nope. Not once. He doesn't play the players that take advantage of the opportunities given to them, he blames "Cubbie occurrences" when his players don't play fundamental baseball, etc, etc.
On the flip side, there have been several occasions where Ozzy has pulled players in a game for not running out a ground ball, and moving players who don't mesh with the way he wants to do things.
Really, if I see one more post like, "No manager could have done anything with this team," I think I'm going to yarf. A manager who would hold the underachievers accountable WOULD do something with this team. You think Soriano and/or Fukodome wouldn't start paying closer attention to what they're doing if they found themselves on the waiver wire because the Front Office wanted to see if anyone would take em for only the cost of their salary like the Blue Jays did for Rios last year?
"No manager could help this team." Now that's the biggest loser comment of them all. Best part is, you all will keep going to the games, regardless.
"Chief49 on August 22, 2010 4:36 PM
Quade?? Why not Ronnie Woo Woo?"
HAHAHA! I almost cr@pped myself laughing. Could you imagine the absurdity of that situation having Ronnie Woo Woo as manager? It would be fitting given the incompetence of this entire organization.
I'm a SOX fan, but Lou's a class act .... love to see the SOX beat the cubs in the World Series - especially since Lou wouldn't be the losing manager!
What is funny is that the so called fans posting on this page must actually think that these losers would have played better for any other manager on the planet. This guy has the wins, the rings and should have the respect of the players. But yet they still would not play for him. Bash Lou all you want. But it is THE PLAYERS who must play on the field. Blame them, no Lou.
The race card is nothing more than a crutch used by the weak minded. Those that want something given to them rather than doing it the American way by working, earning, and taking it.
No 2 weeks notice?
By Louie.
coloradorob,
May you never have a personal or family reason to readjust your work life or other priorities...jerk
Lou leaving is one thing, trying to get rid of Soriano and Zambozo is another considering the Cubs owe the two of them something close to $120 million.
Wait till next year?
Using his Mom as excuse for abanding ship like a Big Rat.He could've called in the job he did this year. At least this way he leaves on his terms instead of being booted at seasons end. NEXT?
Has he been coaching them anyway? Most anyone could do the job he has been doing. Should have been gone before last year. Way over the hill. Rebuild from top on down. At least find a pitching staff. Hhave not been too impressed with what the staff has been doing. Don't think anyone of them have had 2 perfect innings in a row during anyone appearence. Gut it and start again.
Quade?? Why not Ronnie Woo Woo?
I also co sign 'louser' comments.Its definitely racism.Pinella did nothing for the cubs baker won PLAYOFF GAMES and won the 1st series in almost 100 years for the cubs and got ran out of town by the fans and the media.Like its dustys fault an idiot fan went for a foul ball then the players choked
I also co sign 'louser' comments.Its definitely racism.Pinella did nothing for the cubs baker won PLAYOFF GAMES and won the 1st series in almost 100 years for the cubs and got ran out of town by the fans and the media.Like its dustys fault an idiot fan went for a foul ball then the players choked
Ramirez may have hit a homer, but Brenly correctly ripped him a new @## 8&@! for failing to confront any balls hit in his direction today - or any other day in recent memory. And, Soriano was responsible for several runs by, once again, failing to play his position in left field on a fly ball with the bases loaded he should have caught.
Before the next manager takes over, the Ricketts ownership should bring a Buck Showalter clone to kick some you-know-what.
Why is alan trammel not the interim manager? Unlike quade he has managed a big league team before.Makes no sense to me
Lou couldn't wait to get out of the dugout and into the clubhouse and beyond after another atrocious Cubbie loss!
Ramirez may have hit a homer, but Brenly correctly ripped him a new @## 8&@! for failing to confront any balls hit in his direction today - or any other day in recent memory. And, Soriano was responsible for several runs by, once again, failing to play his position in left field on a fly ball with the bases loaded he should have caught.
Before the next manager takes over, the Ricketts ownership should bring a Buck Showalter clone to kick some you-know-what.
1) Sorry for Lou; but at his age, I'm thinkin' that Lou thinks: 'Dealing with a Zambrano child ain't worth it'. His demeanor changed a lot after that episode.
2) Qua-dee will but Tramell won't for 2011. Maybe the GM will be inviting Bart Simpson and Howdy Doody to interview too?
Just my opinion, but there is something about Lou's demeanor and looks that make me think he is not in the best of health either. Perhaps he is worrying about his mother. Just speculation on my part , but I think there more going on than is being told.
Still I wish Lou the best and the same to his mother. I hope he gets back into baseball in another capacity, perhaps as a scout or talent evaluator.
If his mom was so important, he should have left in the beginning of the season. Goodbye to a chump
If his mom was so important, he should have left in the beginning of the season. Goodbye to a chump
Goodbye Lou. But after again watching the game today, you understand why the Cubs are 22 games under 500. This team is not capable of playing fundamental baseball.
Good riddance!
Lou can't wait to get the hell out of town fast enough. That debacle that's going on right now will cause any man to want to leave and just say to hell with it all. He needs to be with his mom and I know he can't take any more of this torture and this poor excuse of a franchise and the way it is being run by buffoons starting with Ricketts on down. This team is an atrocity and a disgrace! Bye Lou!
Memo to "Pujols for President" - I didn't know steroid were among the qualifications to run for this esteemed office.
Lou stopped being manager of the Cubs a couple years ago. His record with the cubs in the last 2 seasons has sucked, just like his behavior. Glad he's gone...wish this would have happened before this fart of a season we just had with overpaid players and guys who couldn't even complete baseball fundamentals.
Go Bears!!! The next shoe in Chicago to drop...
@bhawks61 "Cubs managers unfairly get criticized. The last 3 managers the Cubs have had fans had put the entire blame on the manager"
that's the way cub fandom is.
cub fans rule the roost because they are loud and protest anything & everything, revenue-making signs in wrigley--we'll protest that loudly,
extra night games? that will be loudly protested!
trade a player? usually brings on extra-loud protests.
get rid of a fan favorite? yep, the roar gets louder until that player is traded then we go nuts and blame the cubs for trading him - derosa comes to mind.
new bars in wrigley, at or around wrigley? oh we don't protest that.
WE RULE!!!
You have a point there. Believe me I remember but at least Baker got a 2nd chance. Baker recieved alot of unjust criticism not as bad as Piniella but alot of managers got dumped on by fans. Some of these jock sniffing Cubs fans never want to put the blame entirely on the players like I have had. I have defended every manager because these guys are pros. They demand high price contracts and NTC and then fail to perform. In my opinion the reason why Baker got alot of heat was because of how close the Cubs came to winning. Emotions were at a all time high. I don't excuse it but I believe that is why. Unforunately a certain Cubs fan got the worst of the treatment which like in Baker's scenario the blame should have pointed to the players.
I'll miss Lou only because he was in the media every day during spring, summer, late summer. He should cry because he's so glad to be outta there and away from that toxic mess at Wrigley. He's a lucky guy. How many of us working stiffs will ever retire to a comfortable retirement? Lou is 67 years old. I'll still be working when I'm 77. You're a lucky guy, Lou. God bless you and your family. Time to take life easy now.
bhwaks, all I was saying is that there are so many nice "farewell and we love you Lou" comments on here when Dusty was hated. And the fact is that Dusty got us further in the playoffs. I catch a hint of racism from the fans on here. Nowhere did I read the same type of comments for Dusty even though he brought us to the brink of the World Series. Lou brought us heartbreak and misery.
Just like LaRussa last year hey Cardinal fan?
I say we have a parade for Lou. Sure he couldn't win a playoff game, and the last two years he hasn't managed worth a darn, but he's a real nice guy and his mom is sick.
Stupid Cub fans
Loved Lou, but I doubt that ANYONE can make the Cubs a winner. We ARE the lovable losers of all time. Over a century of losing and some really good managers could not change this. Just enjoy the sunshine at the park and the game. The Cubs will NEVER win anything in our lifetime. Doesn't matter. People will always fill Wrigley. The Sox MUST win to bring in fans. Thanks for trying Lou. The losing mentality is much bigger than you or anyone else who has tried. We just eternally suck.
I am glad to see Piniella move on. My point is that Cubs managers unfairly get criticized. The last 3 managers the Cubs have had fans had put the entire blame on the manager. I have always always blamed the players. I don't care about race all I care about is a winning product so I can enjoy. To say that Baker got criticism and Piniella didn't is ignorant. Bottom line it's the players that win or lose ballgames. Most fans will never understand that fact but it's true.
I was a 4th generation Cubs fan and but am now so over the team. The players should all be fired, the team and Wrigley Field just boarded up. Can't blame Lou for retiring - who'd want to manage these overpaid un-professionals who call themselves baseball players?
It's been 40 years for me. They've permanently lost me.
@bhawks61 I know you are not talking about last year when the Cubs were picked to win at least 96 games but won only 83. Indeed lou underachieved with these Cubs and was not the answer. I am glad he quit.
Louser I have blamed Cub failures when Baylor was manager, when Baker was manager and now Piniella on the players. Baker allowed a 3-1 series lead to down the tubes. If they had been Lou what would you say? Piniella has won a world title Baker has not. So when you say that Baker would have done better you are voicing an opinion with no factual backing. Until Baker actually wins a WS as a manager only then can anyone say that he could do better. BTW this season is not over yet. The Reds can still fail to make the post season and even if they do make it if they fail to advance in the playoffs then what?
Not minority players, High contract players. I don't anyone blaming Byrd, Castro for the Cubs players. There have been white Cub players that have been blasted. Nice try throwing the race card when the situation does not apply. Lou is getting alot of blame here on these boards as well.
Congrats to Lou on leaving. The best part is sticking to these sports reporter/personalities who now can't use you to fill time and space.
Hey bhwaks61, Lou can win win with talent? Are you saying the Cubs haven't had talentwhile hes been here? Dusty did more with less including coming inches away from a World Series. Lou's only achievement was getting to and screwing up the playoffs and yet our fans are sending him off like a hero. Dusty is 2x the manager for the Cubs that lou has been. If his mom wasn't dying everybody would be bashing him including you
Colvin gets a couple of hits, drives in 2 runs yesterday and he's not in the lineup today??? Lou? WTF? Good riddance!!! Lou quit 60 games ago.
Now you want to talk about winning seasons? In that scenario the Cubs had 3 winning seasons under Lou 2 under Dusty.
Lou had 2 div titles Dusty had 1.
You want to compare WS titles Lou has 1 WS title Dusty does not.
Dump on Lou if you want to, but its all the player's fault. They are a bunch of losers and no manager could turn them into winners. Good Luck in the future Lou!
I have been watching the Cubs and a fan since 1968 and these last few years have been the worst. Who is always the blame for Cubs losing? You guessed it, the minority players and Dusty.
So much talent wasted
Uncle Lou quit on the Tampa Devil Rays and then left the team before his last season ended. He went to sleep on the Cubs towards the end of the 2009 season and has finally woke up and decided to quit. Good riddance! Maybe the Cubs can get the entire Tampa Rays team to move to Wrigley since the Tampa Bay folks don't support their team. And we would get a great tactician and super leader in Joe Madden as manager too!
God Bless you and your family, Lou. And, may your mom recover and spend many years fully enjoying her life with you nearby. You did change the 'Cubbie' culture for the better. You are a class act!
I knew Lou wasn't he answer...I remember when he was a coommentator all the talk about what he would do as a mananger here...he gets hired and doesn't win and now he quits.
Isn't it ironic Dusty is winning in Cin.
Too bad for Tram, but too much bad juju from his Detroit days. That said, this is a blown opportunity for finding out if Sandburg has what it takes the run the mothership. Pretty clear they want a coronation for him (amp up the off-season tix sales?) and don't want to risk ruining the shine. Love ya Ryno, wish you well but be careful what you wish for.
Hey Richard. Lou has a WS title as a manager. How many does Dusty have? Lou has proven he can win with talent can Dusty? So your post makes no sense.
Great Career Lou, but you skated in your Gin the last few years! At the expense of us Fans!
If Dusty had the teams Lou had we would have had a championship by now. Dusty was and still the best manager the Cubs have had in the modern era.
He cited "family reasons", but failed to mention the ulcers.
To those idiots who blame Piniella for a disappointing season, I have news for you! No one could win with this ballclub. The Cubs have talent, but they have an unbalanced lineup which is not built to score runs. Also, the bullpen is inconsistent. Remember, this is the same buy who won a few division titles, including with the Cubs.
Lou, you were the best manager this team has had since the Joe McCarthy in the 1920s. 2007 and 2008 will never be forgotten by REAL Cubs fans (nor will the fact that we were actually in first place on Aug. 1, 2009). What a true old-school warior you are! But, I applaude you for stepping down under these circumstances. This is the right thing to do. The next chapter in the existence of the Chicago National League Ballclub needs to begin.
You Lou haters are a bunch of worthless no-class turds. Please, just shut your mouths and crawl back in your holes.
Bring back Dusty.
Both Dusty and Lou never managed as Cubs manager after the last season went poorly. Both finished their contracts and were not fired.
Hey Louser What did Baker do after 2003? I guess you forgot 2006 when the team went 66-96. The players quit on Baker but Baker was never fired like Lou the final season was bad and he never managed for the Cubs just like Lou. Looks like equal treatment to be you ingrate.
God speed -- and God Bless, Lou Pinella.
Heron on August 22, 2010 1:07 PM
This team wore out Lou. Best wishes to him.
-The Cubs wear out EVERYONE!
Good luck Lou, all the best to your family. You tried, but just didn't realize how powerful a curse it actually is. I give you all the credit in the world for the attempt. Being a Cub is probably one of the toughest things in sports to be.
With the September callups looming, the Cubs clearly needed more room in that dugout! They cleared out the right guy!
While I have much respect for Lou for what he's done his entire career, look at one basic fact:
Players quit on a manager and underachieve because the manager ALLOWS it to happen. The occasional individual might be blamed if he's riding out a fat contract, but when the problem is practically team-wide, look at the leadership.
For proof, look no further than this year's Orioles (think the Cubs have it bad? The O's haven't had a WINNING SEASON in 13 years!). This year they were flirted with the pace to be the Worst Team Ever, and had already gone through two managers this season. Enter Buck Showalter--manager #3, and immediately the team turns around and is playing better than they have in years.
Oriole player after O's player admitted in interviews that they stepped up their games several notches because they know that now they're being held accountable and "auditioning" for a roster spot come next year.
That's a mark of a great manager--someone who holds players accountable, but backs them appropriately. Lou, on the other hand, made a habit of allowing "Cubbie Occurances" to get in the way.
I wish Lou the best moving forward, but let's be honest about the past few years here--the underachieving in Wrigley is his responsibility, not the result of a bad roster.
I really appreciate the kind things your all saying about me. Can't imagine what you would do for me if I actually won a playoff game or two
This team wore out Lou. Best wishes to him.
I don't think that the Lou love (in comparison to Dusty) is necessarily a racial issue- I think that it's simply because of the circumstances regarding his departure. People tend to be a bit softer on someone when they cite family issues. That being said, if the Cubs were 74-50, I guarantee he wouldn't be stepping down, he'd be taking an extended leave of absence. That means he's using his mom's situation to his advantage from a PR standpoint. That makes me a little ill.
Lou, You are a gentleman and you will be greatly missed by all of us. Our thoughts, prayers and hearts go out to you and your family. Memo to the Ricketts family: Trade Hendry.
What a loser and now a quiter. Lou, you quit on this team 124 games ago. I bet that the family situation would have waited another 2 months if the Cubs were 22 games over .500 instead of 22 games below. You started this train wreck and now you are bailing out while everyone else is stuck on the tracks. I am sorry to hear about his mother, but that is a very convenient excuse. His mom was elderly before the year started so he shouldn't have even come back if that truly was the case. I've watched or listened to all of the Cub games this year and for the first time, I hope that the Cubs get their butts kicked today... send this quiter out on a losing note... it shouldn't be that hard, you've done all year long.
Good riddance Uncle Lou! It was your fault that the club was retooled after the failures in the playoffs because you said you did not have enough left handed hitters. You should have simply said you screwed up the pitching rotation by not starting game 1 of each series of the playoffs with Lilly. So Hendry dumped DeRosa, Wood, and Blanco to make room for that great ball of free agent fire from the Texas Rangers and the team collapsed. Oh boy.
From all true Cub fans, thank you Lou for your time in Chicago. You gave us something to cheer for, something to laugh about and something to cry about. Best move you have made as a manager is to be with your mom. No one will ever question you about this point. Hopefully one day, you can come back to baseball in some way. Lou and his view of baseball, became a foundation stone of what the Cubs future will be all about. The Cubs will win it all someday. When that day comes, this entire world will be Cub fans. Even on the Southside. So long Lou. May God bless you and your family.
Funny to read all the "Thanks Lou" comments.Did you people realize that Dusty even took us further than Lou did. I don't remember reading any thank you notes to Dusty Baker to getting us a step away from the world series. Lou couldn't even win a playoff game. I smell racism
Funny to read all the "Thanks Lou" comments.Did you people realize that Dusty even took us further than Lou did. I don't remember reading any thank you notes to Dusty Baker to getting us a step away from the world series. Lou couldn't even win a playoff game. I smell racism
"Blame Canada" sees this stort as being about Obama?! Get the butterfly net! Somewhere is an asylum there's an open window and an empty bed/
I don't get not even letting Alan Trammell interview for the job? He helped turn a young Tigers team from the worst in baseball in 2005 to setting them for Leyland to take them to the World Series the next year. He's been a tremendous help with Starlin Castro. He's a level-headed no drama baseball man. WTF?
You did the right thing Lou. We could all tell you were not the real Lou this past month. Enjoy the remaining time with your mother and God Bless her, you , and the rest of your family.
On another note, I bet Alan Trammell wonders why the Cubs ever made him "bench" coach. I know Quade did the AAA managing thing but does Hendry really think he is the answer. I don't think Quade will be able to do much good with this lowsy Cub team. Just hope he plays Fuld and not Fukudome. Also hoep he gives teh young catcher and chance and benches the wrothless Hill.
@MarkGee - you have it right - our thoughts should be with the Piniella family right now. We're all passionate about our baseball, but it is, after all, a game. Family is absolutely what matters most.
And...shame on me: I forgot to extend my thanks and thoughts to Lou in my earlier post. Lou, prayers to you and your family. Thanks for a pretty good run (even if the ultimate goal wasn't met) and for the entertainment in good times and bad (like lines such as "Cubbie Occurrence").
Lou is a class act. God bless him and his mother.
Why don't they let Bill Murray and Jim Belushi be the interim skippers. All Ricketts wants to do is sell tickets.
Lou is a man who loved this game will all his heart! He played it that way and when he started coaching it was evident he did know the game well. Every major league team he coached had a change in their approach to the game. Temper? Oh yes! But it was just the frustration he was feeling and we'd see the intensity of those feelings then. Good luck, God speed and thank you Lou!
Why don't they let Bill Murray and Jim Belushi be the interim skippers. All Ricketts wants to do is sell tickets.
Enjoy Retirement Lou.
I think the one that should be going is Hendry. He signed all these players. Some for to long. Be hard to trade them.
Hey Rhino--cousins can marry in Illinois. Look it up.
Younger guys need high octang Managers and we all know Mike Quade is a real firecracker?
I wonder if they threw drew straws and he got the short one.
God and I thought the Wriggley's and Tribune Company were the bottom of the barrel, guess not.
"BlameCanada" -- can you look at yourself in the mirror? If so, are you as disgusted with what you see as those are around you?
I wish the best to you Lou and your family and a speedy recovery for your mom. Thank you for the years you managed here. 3 winning seasons, 2 divison titles and despite how 2008 ended the whole season was fun to follow and I had a chance to enjoy a rare Cubs season all summer. It's not your fault that you had players on your team just happy to collect a paycheck. You gave it your best abd a true baseball fan could see that. I laugh at the dumb Cubs fans that always blame the manager and never once blame the players who really win and lose the games out there with their effort and play.
Quade? Why is trammel getting no consideration
Just more Cubs stupid decisions
Would he be leaving, even with an ill mother, if the Cubs were in contention? Dont fall for his nonsense, he's a loser and a quitter.
The Ricketts are nothing more than the mccaskeys and obamas all rolled into one. Doing absolutlely the wrong things, or nothing about the right things. We got a liberal bunch with this Ricketts crew---they dont want winners, they want money. Look at their online trading business.
Prepare for another decade of losing with this ownership whose nostalgia and love for the Cubs is all about the love of losing. Only its in the sunshine surronded by good chat and good cheer. They are the wrong owners for this supposed hard working towns people...but maybe Chicago's changed too---more like a Sanctuary City people who accept and pay good for consistent losing. Lou represented them well.
First Thanks Lou for your 4 years of managing...You are truly one greatest managers. God bless your family Lou.
But a note to others writing here! Have you no decency! This about a man dealing with a loved one likely on her deathbed! Can you put away the cruel remarks for a day or at least another article! This is dealing with a man and his family. Who cares how bad the Cubs are! It's a man family!
Hello! the reason Quade got the nod was to let Trammel know that he doesn't have a chance next year. Nor does Quadie. Its like dating your cousin instead of this other chick. The other chick knows you aren't interested in her because you are dating your cousin. And your cousin knows she will never marry you( except in Alabama, Ark, Georgia)because she is your cousin. Sound weird but isn't it true?
Ricketts loves Rhino. Wouldn't you want the man?
What's the rationale on excluding Trammell from the managerial search??? My first reaction was, "Why not Ryno now?," but sounds like Iowa's actually in a playoff run...Go figure...
best wishes to sweet lou... a very interesting career ! even though towards the end i had become less of a fan, i don't believe it was all your fault what happened the last three years here... i believe it was underachieving players... and a g.m. that needs to go...can hendry step down next please? will the ricketts have the nerve to let him go? i hope so... but i also hope the best for sweet lou in his retirement !...lets win today for lou !!
Thanks Lou. I respect you based on your entire career in baseball. You took over a worthless franchise that will never get over the hump. Take care of your family.
Okay, who is the next ringmaster to step up audition for the Chicago Cubs Circus of Frustrations?
Lou, thanks for the memories. Family comes first.
So long lou. It was time. How convenient they give Quade the interim role when Sandberg should be auditioning. The Ricketts family is devoid of intelligence.
@Joe...
Oh yeah, I was only counting rings won as player. He managed the reds but wasn't on the field with them.
I also firmly believe that if it weren't for his success with the Yankees, he wouldn't have had the managerial opportunities he got so yes, my statement of "never" still stands.
Too bad Hendry and Crane Kenney aren't leaving for performance reasons. The Rickett's family are already a bust. Modernize and get rid of those men's room troughs and forget about the noodle and those signs. The best to Lou and his mom!
Please Ricketts make it a daily double and give Hendry his walking papers as well.
Lou had his hands tied with players supplied by JH and he's overstayed his time here, tending to Cub business while the sale transfer was being completed. Okay it is finshed,hit the bricks.
Goodbye Lou you deserved far better. You bought into the Cub attempt to bring a championship to Wrigley Field.Initially you thought it would be done as did millions of Cub Kool-Aid drinkers. We were all wrong. God speed Lou.
I'm sure going to miss Pinella. He was a good manager for the Cubs as he kept the Cubs a competitive baseball team for a long time. I also loved his post game conferences. Those one-line responses he makes to the media were very funny and I love his tone of voice.
Having said that, Pinella was a great manager that will be hard to replace for the Cubs. I'm very worried that the Cubs will return to its "constant last place ways" when he leaves.
Now that the Cubs have to look for a manager, there is one person the Cubs should not consider as manager. Whoever the Cubs want do not, do not put that overrrated piece of garbage batting coach Rudy Jaramillo as a canidate for the job. I believe that the number one reason for the Cubs difficulties is that overated and ill-inept batting coach Rudy Jaramillo who messed up the entire Cubs batting abilities.
The Cubs may have to go outside the organization to find a new manager.
Anyone else confused at why Alan Trammel DIDN'T get the job for the rest of the year?
Quade???
Is there no point to being the bench coach?
GOOD RIDDANCE!!! Lou-ser, too bad you couldn't have stayed RETIRED 4 years ago! IT AMAZES ME HOW THE ONLY WAY TO GET RID OF A PROBLEM, WAS FOR THE PROBLEM TO JUST QUIT AND RETIRE...ON HIS OWN TERMS...PRICELESS! "Oh well, I'm tired of loosing...later loosers, just make sure to send me my paychecks to Florida...and good luck with that World Series Thing!", Lou said. Mr. Hang-to-dry, THIS IS A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY TO FIX WHAT YOU SCREWED UP 4 YEARS AGO...GO GET JOE GIRARDI YOU P.O.S!
@Joe...
The cubs ARE the worst team out there. Whether you choose to believe it or not is none of my concern.
You say there are worse teams - really? Can you name any other MLB team that has a 100 year record of NOT winning the WS? Even Boston and the WhiteSox stopped their slide after 80-something years.
The Cubbies haven't won the WS in over 100 years. That's a fact. That makes them the worst MLB team. NO other MLB team has that record. Believe it.
Joe says...
Bet, yet he won a ring with the Reds. So how is that "never"?
Absolute worst, even though there are others with worse records. Hmmm.
Quite possibly the most idiotic post on this site. Which is saying something, considering that Walter Brzeski and bull Durham post here.
Family must come first and Lou Pinella is needed by his family. It's unforunate he has to go out with such a lousy team and '10 season but that's life. Lou did a great job in the first two years with the Cubs but we live in a society where you are judged on what you've done lately and the numbers don't lie. All the best to Lou and his family.
jerry b. on August 22, 2010 11:52 AM
Didn't have time to read other comments yet, so I may just be repeating other remarks.
***
Personally, I'd give the job to Quade.
Instead, dummazz Hendry will give it to Trammel.
--------------
Looks like you didn't read the article either, where Hendry is quoted saying that Trammel ISN'T a candidate for the job next season, that Quade has the job for this year, and is a candidate for next year. I read that as meaning that if he can motivate the players for these meaningless games, he'll stay on. If not, who knows.
And Walter Brzeski, you've just proposed the "college of coaches" which boneheaded Cubs management of the past came up with themselves, and implemented with disastrous results in the early 60s. Learn your history before suggesting replays of bad decisions past.
Lou - thanks for the many enjoyable Cubs games you brought us.
I hope for the best for you.
Rest assured Cubs fans, the managerial search is well under way. My leadership and sheer charisma will lead the Cubs to the promised land.
God Bless You Mr. Piniella ... My son met you a few years ago and called me in awe of how "great" you treated him; how personable you were and to this day you are number one in his (mine too) book. The time to bring comfort to aging parents is when we can and need to do so and like many others we wish you well.
Didn't have time to read other comments yet, so I may just be repeating other remarks.
But ... don't look now ... Lou retired around June 15th. He just kept coming to the ballpark.
Great career. Stuck around one year too long.
Now lettuce hope Hendry and Ricketts don't ruin poor Ryno.
Personally, I'd give the job to Quade.
Instead, dummazz Hendry will give it to Trammel. He's another dim bulb. Imagine batting Nady 3rd. Why? Well, he was replacing the other guy who hit 3rd, so where else would he put him?
Or, really screw this one up and give it to Rothschild.
Just throw strikes, kid.
Thanks anyway, Lou. For trying to raise the sunken ship that is the Chicago Cubs baseball team.
Family first. Best of luck...........
Wow. While I didn't always agree with Lou's decisions as manager, he's a good guy and represents what's right about baseball. I'm guessing his mother's condition is grave, and with just over a month to go until retirement, he wants to be able to be there for her last days without all the distraction.
Not sure that managing the absolute worst team in Major League Baseball is the "ultimate way" to end a managerial career.
Good thing he wore a Yankees uniform or he'd never be able to slip on a WS ring.
Amen, Rod.
Good luck, Lou, and family should come first. The over-priced, under-achieving players quit on you and not vice versa. Let's hope their attitude doesn't rub off on tomorrow's starters.
My understanding it that the Cubs have the highest ticket prices and highest payroll and it was the PLAYERS who let everyone down NOT the manager. All the best to you Lou - will keep you in my thoughts and prayers - you are doing the right thing by tending to family. Take care ~
Anyone who believes this line of bs from this quitter needs their head examined.
Lou did not put the roster together. so he can't be blamed for a bull pen that looked like it couldn't scare a butterfly. The RBI hitters were awful but they were also signed way before Lou showed up. Lou mad gaffes and definitely was way too stubborn most of the time. He deserves a better send off than some of the BS I'm seeing all over the message boards from Cubs fans. In fact, it shouldn't even matter what he did here, unless totally egregious, have some respect for the man or have the balls to say it aloud and not silently on a message board.
It's about time. Look, if Pinella is truly leaving now due to the health of his mom, then God Bless him. He's doing the right thing, but honestly this charade that's been being pulled off by the Cubs this season has been long overdue to be stopped. All of this trying to allow Pinella this lifetime acheivement award by hanging on, so he could be showed respect is total b.s.
Baseball is a very expensive proposition these days, especially for the fans who support the team, and to have been subjected to these sort of efforts this season, led by Pinella, has gone beyond far enough. So for that, whatever reason it is, that he's leaving now, it's high time.
Gee,I hope this doesn't wreck the Cubs season.
Great having you aroud Lou. Our family prayers are with you and yours. Thanks for being here.
We will miss you my friend. GOD's speed.
I hope Jim Hendry steps down tommorrow.
@ Henry...couldn't agree with you more.
Any manager that steps in here, will end up like football coaches at IU.
It is a manager's grave yard.
"Let's just have look at the record."
--Al Smith
Sir Dragon of Mulberry
STICK WITH THE SOX
Honestly, the people who are telling him "good riddance" etc. have no class. I hope you're never in a situation where you have to take early leave to attend a sick loved one. Piniella's Cubs didn't meet expectations, but that guy's achieved more in his lifetime than you jokers would achieve in ten.
Best wishes to you and your family, Lou.
From all of us die-hard Sox fans, good luck to you and your family. It was a joy watching you manage the past few years.
Really sorry to hear this, but admire him for putting his family obligations first. I've liked Lou from Day One, and have never changed my mind. Thanks for the memories, and blessings to your family, Mr. P.
If Cubs are auditioning players why not audition managers too? Let Quade and Trammell split managing games until the Sept. 1st callups? (Iowa's team is on the Cubs roster, so, they're not going anywhere in the playoffs). And, then spilt the games between them and Sandberg.
the way hes been managing the last 3 mnths youd think he resigned back then
IT'S ABOUT TIME!!!