Sweet Lou Retires

Friends,

I've always thought this was a funny designation for such a feisty, fiery fellow. But "Sweet" Lou really is the man. Lou Pinella, manager of the Chicago Cubs, was planning to retire at the end of the year, but he is retiring today because his elderly mother is ill and needs him. This may say more about him than anything else...more than the 67 ejections as a major league manager...more than the 1800+ hits and 1700+ wins as a major league player and manager (the only other person to do this in history is Joe Torre)...more than the temper tantrums he has thrown, for certain. His name is synonymous with passion, but I believe it really is more so because of his love than his wrath. I believe that he would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. Lou Pinella is a unique man in so many ways. I really don't think that any major league baseball manager has more or better videos than Lou venting his anger and frustration...and, I hate to say it, they really are funny. He, along General Manager Pat Gillick, turned around a terrible franchise in the mid-90's -- the Seattle Mariners. Mariners fans owe much to Lou for giving us a good decade of baseball, including a 116 win season in 2003...a major league record for the regular season. Like the Mariner that he was connected to for a number of years, Ken Griffey Jr, he will always be at the very top of important people in Seattle Mariners history...and how ironic that they both retire the same year -- actually, it is fitting. Enjoy your retirement, Lou...you have earned it...and deserve it. I don't know how he will be able to stay away from baseball...it has been a part of his for the vast majority of his life. Perhaps, he won't. :-)

Blessings,
Don