Chicago White Sox Star Adam LaRoche Quits Team for Son
LaRoche's 14-year-old son, Drake, was frequently by his dad's side.
— -- Chicago White Sox star Adam LaRoche was set to make over $1 million per month in average salary this season but he is walking away, reportedly because team management asked him to stop bringing his 14-year-old son to the ballpark.
LaRoche, 36, took to Twitter Tuesday to announce his retirement from baseball, writing, "Thank u Lord for the game of baseball and for giving me way more than I ever deserved! #Familyfirst."
The first baseman has played 12 seasons for seven different teams and his son, Drake, has been with him practically all the time. Drake even had a locker right next to his dad's in the White Sox's clubhouse.
White Sox Executive Vice President Ken Williams told Fox Sports he asked LaRoche to "dial it back" when it came to bringing Drake to White Sox practices and the team's clubhouse.
"All I'm asking you to do with regard to bringing your kid to the ballpark is dial it back," Williams said he told LaRoche. "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."
The team's general manager, Rick Hahn, told reporters he doesn't think LaRoche will back down from his stance.
"He's obviously a man of great conviction so I don't think we're going to necessarily see a change of heart from him," Hahn said.
LaRoche's exit means he will forgo the $13 million left on his contract for this season.
