For years, MLB journeyman Adam LaRoche has brought his son on the road to many of his team’s games. For the last decade, his son has become the newest member of whatever team LaRoche landed on.
However, LaRoche’s career came to an abrupt end on Tuesday when he announced his unexpected retirement. He had hoped to get back on track after a terrible 2015 season, but that doesn’t look like it will happen now and he blames the sudden retirement on the Chicago White Sox, who he said wouldn’t allow his 14-year-old son, Drake, into the locker room or on road games anymore.
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
White Sox president, Kenny Williams, responded to LaRoche’s accusations, saying that him bringing his son along to so many games was beginning to hurt the team’s morale and hinder Drake’s education.
“There has been no policy change with regards to allowance of kids in the clubhouse, on the field, the back fields during spring training. This young man that we’re talking about, Drake, everyone loves this young man. In no way do I want this to be about about him.
I asked Adam, said, ‘Listen, our focus, our interest, our desire this year is to make sure we give ourselves every opportunity to focus on a daily basis on getting better. All I’m asking you to do with regard to bringing your kid to the ball park is dial it back.'”
This story is certainly an odd one that will see more development over the next few weeks. According to reports, Adam LaRoche has already filed retirement papers, but the White Sox will wait to send them off just in case LaRoce changes his mind.
Can’t get enough of Campus Sports? Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to stay updated with the latest news and exclusive giveaways!
*Featured Photo (above) credit to USA TODAY Sports
