This has got to be a first. Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reports that Chicago White Sox first baseman Adam LaRoche chose to retire after team president Ken Williams told him he could no longer bring his 14-year-old son into the clubhouse.
Sources: LaRoche chose to retire after #WhiteSox prez Ken Williams told him that he no longer could bring 14-year-old son into clubhouse.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) March 16, 2016
LaRoche’s son, Drake, 14, has traveled with him for several years. Adam, in a Chicago Tribune story last year, called him team’s “26th man.”
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) March 16, 2016
Williams said in a statement to Rosenthal, he told LaRoche his son shouldn’t be in the clubhouse as much and told the veteran to dial it back.
Ken Rosenthal – Just talked to #White Sox president Ken… | Facebook
Just talked to #White Sox president Ken Williams. Here is what he told me about LaRoche: “There has been no policy change with regards to allowance of…
According to ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick in a feature written on LaRoche’s family last year, Spring Training is a big deal for LaRoche’s family. The White Sox had previously set up an adjoining locker with a nameplate and uniform for LaRoche’s 14-year old son Drake, who makes the trip with him to spring every year.
“It’s a big thing,” said Adam LaRoche, who is also accompanied by his wife, Jennifer, and daughter, Montana, in Glendale. “I love having kids around. I knew they were comfortable with it here, but this just took it to the next level. It’s pretty cool.”
Drake’s presence may have grew tired with some in the White Sox locker room, even if they had no fault with the kid himself.
Rosenthal talked to Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Blaine Boyer, a friend of LaRoche’s, who said, “I honestly think this is honestly between good and evil,” and his decision was an “unbelievable test” for LaRoche as a father and husband.
The White Sox don’t neccessarily lose in the situation, as they clear LaRoche’s $13 million salary with the announcement. The 36-year-old was awful in 2015, hitting .204 with just 12 home runs in 127 games. Perhaps Williams knew he’d be forcing LaRoche’s hand by blocking access for his son.
Either way, it’s certainly a weird end to a very solid career for LaRoche.
