This is one of the more bizarre reports of the MLB offseason. Chicago White sox first baseman and designated hitter Adam LaRoche surprised many this week with his decision to retire. The 36-year-old, 12-year veteran reportedly walked away from $13 million.
Why?
Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports has the scoop:
Sources: LaRoche chose to retire after #WhiteSox prez Ken Williams told him that he no longer could bring 14-year-old son into clubhouse.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) March 16, 2016
LaRoche’s son, Drake, 14, has traveled with him for several years. Adam, in a Chicago Tribune story last year, called him team’s “26th man.”
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) March 16, 2016
LaRoche’s friend, #Brewers pitcher Blaine Boyer: “He’s an unbelievable father, an unbelievable husband, a friend you can only dream of.”
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) March 16, 2016
Boyer added: “I honestly think this is between good and evil. I know which side Adam lives on. I’m thankful to see the way he’s acting…
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) March 16, 2016
“…it’s an unbelievable test of who he is, the husband he is, the father he is.”
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) March 16, 2016
Source: LaRoche told #WhiteSox yesterday he would take a “couple of days” before making final decision on retirement.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) March 16, 2016
Photo: Chicago Tribune