Yesterday we shared the weird story of Adam LaRoche suddenly retiring from the Chicago White Sox in the middle of Spring Training, reportedly because team president Ken Williams asked LaRoche to “dial back” on how often he brought his son to the ballpark.
Williams stated this week that kids are still allowed in the clubhouse, only that he asked LaRoche not to bring his son around “100 percent of the time.” The exact circumstances surrounding the request are still a little curious — especially given the timing — and it remains unknown whether Williams acted of his own accord or felt influence from elsewhere.
That being said, it appears that LaRoche’s teammates are standing by him. In fact, the team was very close to boycotting a preseason game this week in support of the 36-year-old first baseman, this according to ESPN’s Karl Ravech.
Sources told Ravech that White Sox manager Robin Ventura intervened and persuaded the players, who were united in support of LaRoche, to play the game against the Milwaukee Brewers.
There likely will be a meeting in the coming days among owner Jerry Reinsdorf, executive vice president Ken Williams and general manager Rick Hahn to go over ground rules for clubhouse access for those in upper management. Sources said there is a division between those in the front office, and Ventura and his players regarding clubhouse access.
By stepping away, LaRoche left $13 million in salary on the table this season. He has filled out his retirement paperwork, but the team has yet to file it in case he has a change of heart.
(Via ESPN)
