Not sure what legacy Lou will leave

I have to say the news of Lou Piniella retiring (at the end of the season) caught me off guard this afternoon. Since I can remember he has been a part of baseball. Part of me assumed he always would be.  I first remember him as a New York Yankee's player. He was the "Charlie Hustle" of the American League, reminding me of Pete Rose. He came into the game long before I was even thought of, in 1964 playing for the Orioles.

Still, it will as a manager that Lou will be most remembered. Recent stops have included his current job, with the Cubs, and others in Tampa Bay, Seattle and Cincinnati. He also got caught in the mangerial merry- go- round that the late George Steinbrenner ran, once replacing Billy Martin.

He has 1,826 wins as of Tuesday afternoon, putting him number 14 on the list of total wins by a manager. Most ahead of him are in the hall of fame with some active ones headed that way. That may well be in his future also.
Despite his wins Lou will probably be remembered for his temper as much as anything else. Throwing bases was a regular occurance in his career. Many an umpire's shoes ended up covered in dirt after an encounter with Lou.  Umpires dreaded games when Lou was on the schedule. Legendary umpire Durwood Merrill said Lou knew how to argue like "a desperate lawyer."

The best part of Lou retiring is what it may bring in the future. Legendary Cubs second baseman Ryne Sandberg is considered a leading candidate. That only seems logical. He is already making his way, as a manager, through the Cubs system. He was always a favorite of mine and I say give him a chance.  Baseball will miss one of its characters after he is gone but happy retirement from The Corner Lou. We hope you won't be remembered for not breaking the curse in Chicago but rather for shows you put on.  No only will we miss you but I'm sure all the umpires will as well.