Lou Piniella Retires, Vin Scully Stays

One long time baseball man ended his career on August 22nd while another one said he would be back in 2011.  Chicago Cubs manager Lou Piniella, who was to retire at the end of the season, stepped down six weeks earlyto be with his ailing mother.  Piniella, who turns 67 on August 28th, began his professional baseball career in 1962.  He was on two World Series champions as a player with the New York Yankees in 1977 and 1978.  He also managed the Cincinnati Reds to their World Series championship in 1990.

Piniella leaves a Cubs team that has been a complete disaster this season, and the rebuilding process is already underway with several veterans traded away and young players coming in.  It’s been a huge disappointment to Cubs fans as they were expected to be serious contenders.  Those disappointed fans have not been afraid to express their displeasure either, and attendance is down at Wrigley Field.  Third base coach Mike Quade has been named manager for the rest of the season, but the Cubs brass is going to have to bring in someone who can energize the players and fans next year.  The popular favorite to manage in 2011 is former Cub second baseman and Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg.  Sandberg is currently managing the Cubs Triple A farm club and has openly stated he wants the job.

Los Angeles Dodgers Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully announced he would continue in that role for his 62nd season in 2011.  Think about that.  Vin Scully has been broadcasting Dodgers games since 1950 when they were still in Brooklyn.  The 82 year old Scully considered retiring but realized “I just did not want to leave”.  Those who don’t live in the Los Angeles area may still be familiar with Vin’s voice; in the past, he’s done nationally televised baseball games, including 25 World Series.  He’s also broadcast NFL football and professional golf.  These days, he does play by play for all Dodger home games and road games west of the Rockies, and only travels farther east on rare occasions.

Lou Piniella said he has no future plans, except to be with his family and relax.  Vin Scully is going to keep on doing what he loves to do.  Sounds like they both made good choices.

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Tags: chicago cubs, los angeles dodgers, lou, ryne, vin