I think the guys that get to the All-Star Game deserve a lot of credit. They deserve their opportunity to get out there and let the baseball fandom see them. – Tony La Russa
It’s easy to figure out whether you’re getting stale. All you’ve got to do is look in the mirror and be honest with yourself. – Tony La Russa
You can’t put a price on what Mark McGwire brings to the Cardinals organization. The responsibility he accepts is as great as any number of home runs. – Tony La Russa
If you seriously aspire to be a manager in the big leagues, there is a baseball ‘book’ that one must learn. Alongside that book, you must practice Spanish. Of 25 players on each roster, sometimes there are between eight and 15 players who speak Spanish. – Tony La Russa
To me, there is no more conscientious umpire in the Major Leagues than Jim Joyce. He gives you a hellacious effort every time. – Tony La Russa
I’ve said this: If Jim Leyland had been in my place, he’d have the 2,000 wins and I’d have 1,000. Leyland is the greatest. – Tony La Russa
I think there’s a growing number of pitchers who want to have a plan going into a game about how they’re going to go after that lineup. I’d say 75 percent want to have an idea, and they plan their attack. I know that 75 percent of hitters do not have that same type of plan against a pitcher. – Tony La Russa
I’m a great believer in the character of a club. To me, character has a lot to do with how you compete. That creates urgency and toughness. That elevates the talent that you have. – Tony La Russa
My wife and I, we started a foundation about companion animal rescue, but there’s a group called Performing Animal Welfare Society just outside of Sacramento… and they offered me a job as an elephant keeper. – Tony La Russa
If the national government doesn’t fix your problem, you’ve got a problem. You’ve got to fix it yourself. That’s just part of the American way. – Tony La Russa
I’ve been so fortunate in life to have worked for such great organizations, with great owners and general managers and all the great players, along with the support of my family. – Tony La Russa
Just because you’re down to your last strike, you’re not out yet. You can always do more. You’ll always have more at-bats to take. That’s true in baseball, in rescuing animals, and in life, generally. – Tony La Russa
My mind is just a product of 50 years of being taught. I’m no smarter than anyone else, but I’ve been taught by some wonderful people. – Tony La Russa
I think each negotiation should be based on what’s the best decision – taking everything into account, not taking one thing into account. – Tony La Russa
The arc of Ken Griffey Jr.’s swing has gotten bigger than when he hit line drives. Juan Gonzalez is a terrific power hitter, too. – Tony La Russa
In the end, as a manager or coach, you have to keep your heart pure and do your best as a manager or a coach. – Tony La Russa
If you watch the history of baseball, teams come back, and sometimes they could have come back, but they give in or give up. – Tony La Russa
Clubs are taking away the steal of home. Not only are more pitchers throwing out of the stretch position, but more third basemen are playing closer to the bag. But another reason why nobody does it much anymore is that some guys, no matter how fast they are, just aren’t comfortable trying to steal home. – Tony La Russa
I’m not going to manage again. I’m going to work for a team someday. But it won’t be managing. – Tony La Russa