Lovable LaRussa?

Respected? Yes. Admired? Sometimes. Loved? Rarely.

Tony LaRussa has always appeared to be a complicated man. His public persona is intense, highly-focused, and guarded. After reading Man on a Mission, it seems this public image is fairly consistent with the private man.

His expectations for himself and his players are that they never become complacent but strive continually to play the game of baseball hard and right. I like that. Seemingly, throughout his 30-year career, the majority of players have liked it too. Though initial relationships are often rocky with Tony, and many players don't "get" him at first, those who listen and give him a chance are usually better for it and end up respecting him - for his knowledge, his skill, his passion for the game and his work ethic. He embodies that which he asks from his team.

Apparently, the only players who don't fit with LaRussa are those who either don't play up to their potential, or who seek to put their personal interests before the team's.

In this biography, Rob Rains effectively parallels LaRussa's career and personal journey. After traveling along this road, I feel like I know him a little better, though he still defies understanding. Only a select few seem to have crossed that nearly-impenetrable boundary into his heart.

Because he lacks charisma, warmth and joviality (in short, he's no Whitey Herzog), the St. Louis fans have never completely embraced him...even after the consistent success he's had here. He has engendered respect over the last 13 years, but if he left tomorrow, I'm not sure there would be much of a deal. No parade, no sorrow. Fans still don't love him. They love the game and they love their players, but not their Tony.

Ironically, LaRussa considers pleasing the fans one of his highest priorities. The primary ways he does this is by exerting all his power and energy, day after day, to bring home a "big red W for the weezy company" (as beloved broadcaster, Mike Shannon, would say), and by tolerating numerous and often ignorant questions from the not-so-intelligent media gurus.

Thanks to Rob Rains for a peek inside Tony's life and career, and thanks to Tony LaRussa for a lot of years of superb baseball in St. Louis!!