Tony La Russa, the number-three all-time winningest manager in
major league baseball history (he retired in 2011 only thirty-five wins
behind John McGraw; the no. 1 is safely held by Connie Mack), came to
Square Books November 29 to sign copies of his new book, One Last Strike,
published by our friends at Morrow. He sat down at 6:45 p.m. in the
back of the main store, pulled out of his pocket and plopped down on the
table three enormous rings -- one for each of his World Series titles,
one with the Oakland A's and two with the St. Louis Cardinals -- and
began signing books for the four hundred-plus fans who greeted him
enthusiastically. Many were in Cardinals' jerseys, caps, and jackets;
some were moms or wives getting Christmas gifts; lots of coaches, all
kinds of coaches, came through, including former Ole Miss and Chicago
Cub great Donnie Kessinger, who knew La Russa back in the day; and many
in the crowd were Ole Miss students, including the four freshmen
pictured below, who got themselves a book and a memorable college
first-year experience:
from left to right: John Beykirch, Katie Raimondo, La Russa, Mercedes Klein and Chase Markham
Mr La Russa -- who, whenever addressed that way, immediately corrected, "Tony -- Mr. La Russa is my dad" -- alternately sat and stood while he, Tony,
as we now know him, signed books, without a break, until 10:30 p.m.
There were lots of stories, lots of pictures, lots of questions, lots of
requests to include "11 in '11" with the signature. He finally
finished up and got out with us for some pizza and a beer, when
eventually Slade said, "You know, what's the deal with all the signs for
steals, bunts, hit and run -- how on earth do you guys do that, and do
you ever get confused?" Tony rose from his chair and began, "I
probably shouldn't tell you some of this -- trade secrets..." and
patiently proceeded with a 15 minute dissertation and demonstration,
touching his nose, his ear, rubbing his arms -- at which point those who
hadn't figured out which man in the bar was the famous baseball manager
were probably able to guess, if they weren't trying to steal third.
We had filled up the front window with about 80 copies of One Last Strike
that did not get signed; so, when we walked back by the store after
dinner, Tony cheerfully closed the game by signing those remaining
copies. Tony La Russa -- winner, champion, and one of our favorite
authors, ever. RH