Tony La Russa
Creating Innovation Together:
Tony La Russa
Legendary Hall of Fame baseball manager
Elon Law Distinguished Leadership Lecture Series presented by The Joseph M. Bryan Foundation
Wednesday, April 10, 6:30 p.m.
Carolina Theatre, 310 S. Greene St., Greensboro
Tony La Russa’s professional career and personal commitments have focused on a passion for baseball, an understanding of organizational leadership, American patriotism, and community connections with an emphasis on the impact and welfare of companion animals.
La Russa’s professional baseball career started in 1963 with the Kansas City A’s when he became Major League Baseball’s first 18-year-old shortstop to start a game. His remaining 15 years as a player, often interrupted by injuries, were spent in the minors with occasional major league stops.
At only 34 years old, La Russa was promoted from a managerial role in the minor leagues to manage the Chicago White Sox. It was the start of a remarkable run that included leadership roles with the Oakland A’s and the St. Louis Cardinals that ended in 2011 following his third World Series Championship. La Russa returned to manage the Chicago White Sox in 2021, and by leading Chicago that year to a Central Division championship, he became the first person to ever manage a team into postseason play in five separate decades.
His baseball Hall of Fame accomplishments include second all-time in career regular season and post-season wins, three World Series championships, six league championships and 15 post-season appearances.
La Russa’s decision to manage baseball teams meant postponing a possible legal career. In the off seasons during his playing career, La Russa earned an industrial management degree from the University of South Florida and, in 1978, a Juris Doctor from Florida State University College of Law. He was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1979 and remains an inactive member.
No tickets are required for this event, but guests are encouraged to let Elon Law know you plan to attend by RSVPing here or by calling (336) 279-9200 during normal business hours.