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LaRoche will think over decision to step away
Reports surfaced Tuesday that Adam LaRoche, a 1998 Fort Scott High School graduate, planned to "step away from baseball," as it was worded in said reports, following an undisclosed personal issue.
LaRoche, 36, who would be entering his 13th major league season and second with the Chicago White Sox, said that out of respect for his teammates, he will contemplate his decision.
"I'm confident I am stepping away from baseball," LaRoche said in a report published by the Chicago Tribune. "My teammates have asked me for an hour (to reconsider). I've tried to convince them I am convinced, but I will do them that, and give it a day or two, and then come back in and finish the story."
White Sox general manager Rick Hahn does not expect that LaRoche will change his mind despite an "outpouring of support" from teammates and coaches at a two-hour meeting that took place at the White Sox's spring training base in Arizona.
LaRoche played for Fort Scott High -- and his uncle Dave Regan -- from 1996-96 after his family returned here. He played for his father, Dave, for one season at Fort Scott Community College before moving on to Seminole State, Okla., the following year.
In 2000, LaRoche was named the Most Valuable Player of the Junior College World Series for Seminole State.
He was drafted by the Florida Marlins twice, in 1998 and 1999, but did not sign. The Atlanta Braves picked him in the 2000 draft promising that he could be an everyday player.
LaRoche's first major-league season was with the Braves in 2004. He was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates prior to the 2007 season and spent 2 1/2 seasons there. His brother, Andy, was a teammate for a portion of the 2009 season until Adam was traded to the Boston Red Sox.
LaRoche played just six games in Boston before he was traded back to the Braves. He finished the 2009 season there before signing as a free agent with the Arizona Diamondbacks for the 2010 season.
After one season in Arizona, LaRoche signed with the Washington Nationals and played there for four seasons. Last season, he signed with the White Sox after the Nationals anounced their intenton to move Ryan Zimmerman to first base.
By leaving the White Sox, LaRoche forfeits $13 million in salary this season. He had played in just two games during spring training due to back spasms.
LaRoche has several outside interests, including partial ownership in a ranch, meat company and steakhouse and as one of the stars of the "Buck Commander" television series.
In his MLB career, LaRoche hit .260 with 255 home runs and 882 runs batted in. He played in 17 postseason games.
"Thank u Lord for the game of baseball and for giving me way more than I ever deserved! #FamilyFirst" -- LaRoche on his Twitter account (@e3laroche) Tuesday afternoon.
"Takes a hell of a man to step away from the game he loves for what he believes in @e3laroche #faithandfamilyfirst" -- Andy LaRoche on his Twitter account (@LarocheAndy).
"Congratulations on a great career @e3laroche and I look forward to seeing you in Fort Scott soon!! " -- Rep. Lynn Jenkins, via Twitter.
"Just seeing the report of Adam LaRoche retiring. He was a joy to cover. Beloved by teammates. Now we just wait until Drake is a big leaguer. " -- Dan Kolko, Washington Nationals broadcaster, via Twitter.
"Best wishes to good guy and ex-Pirate Adam LaRoche, who's apparently hanging 'em up after 12 seasons in bigs." -- Rob Biertempfel, Pittsburgh Pitares beat writer, via Twitter.
"(B)est to you if this is indeed the end. Thanks much for always being a pro to deal with for us media types." -- Mike Harris, Sports Illustrated Senior Editor, via Twitter.