Report: White Sox's LaRoche Retired Because Son Wasn't Allowed In Clubhouse
GLENDALE, Ariz. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Adam LaRoche surprised the Chicago White Sox by telling them Tuesday he intends to retire, leaving $13 million on the table.
The reason apparently? He was told he no longer could bring his 14-year-old son into the clubhouse, Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal reported Wednesday.
White Sox president Ken Williams denied to Fox that LaRoche's son, Drake, was banned from the clubhouse, but said he asked LaRoche to "dial it back."
'I don't think he should be here 100 percent of the time -- and he has been here 100 percent, every day, in the clubhouse. I said that I don't even think he should be here 50 percent of the time. Figure it out, somewhere in between," Williams said.
"We all think his kid is a great young man. I just felt it should not be every day, that's all. You tell me, where in this country can you bring your child to work every day?"
Thank u Lord for the game of baseball and for giving me way more than I ever deserved!#FamilyFirst
— Adam LaRoche (@e3laroche) March 15, 2016
It seems LaRoche is leaving the door open for a possible return, telling them the team he would take a "couple of days" before making a final decision.
White Sox manager Robin Ventura said he tried to talk LaRoche out of retiring.
LaRoche, 36, signed a two-year deal for $25 million with the White Sox a year ago. But he struggled in 2015, batting just .207 with 12 homers. The first baseman-turned-designated hitter hadn't played since early this month due to back spasms.
LaRoche also had played for the Washington Nationals, Atlanta Braves, Pittsburgh Pirates, Arizona Diamondbacks and Boston Red Sox. Over his career, he had a .260 batting average and 255 home runs. In 2010 and 2012, LaRoche drove in 100 runs, and hit a career high 33 homers in 2012.
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