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The Chicago Blackhawks are 6-0-0 for the best start in franchise history. Meaning there is nothing more rare than that. With perhaps one possible exception that also occurred Sunday night (Jan. 27). Many miles from the United Center where the Hawks defeated Detroit 2-1 in overtime, the Pitch and Hit Club of Chicago held its 67th annual Awards Evening.
Organist Nancy Faust brightened up the Pitch and Hit Club banquet.
And there at the Carlisle in Lombard was former big-league manager Tony La Russa receiving a Lou Boudreau Hall of Fame Inductee honor. So what’s so rare about that? La Russa has garnered numerous awards in an illustrious career that ended in 2011 after his St. Louis Cardinals captured an improbable World Series title.
Well, La Russa — known for a dour demeanor during games — smiled at the event. Several times. And he told jokes. If that doesn’t qualify as a true rarity, then nothing does.
As curt as he could be in postgame gatherings, he was masterful behind the microphone. Among his stories was one in which he described his first managerial effort after Paul Richards had hired him to a minor-league job because Richards believed the worst ballplayers could be the best managers.
La Russa described how Richards had advised him to pull pitchers before they allowed damage. And so in the ninth inning of his debut with a slim lead, La Russa did exactly that after his starter faltered in the ninth and allowed two men to reach base. The reliever he brought in did not do the job, and La Russa’s team lost.
La Russa encountered Richards after the game, and as La Russa related the tale to the audience, Richards told him: “Maybe you were a better player than I thought.”
Laughs all around.
It was an evening filled with fun — and music thanks to organist Nancy Faust. Tom Shaer was master of ceremonies.
Today we feature video of La Russa, Rich “Goose” Gossage (also a Boudreau Hall of Fame Inductee) and broadcaster Milo Hamilton (Lifetime Achievement Award). If things go according to play (and they occasionally do around here), there will be more videos from the event later this week. Or at least before the start of spring training.
Sunday also was the NFL’s Pro Bowl. The National Football Conference defeated the American Football Conference. For details, you’ll have to go elsewhere. For cheerleader coverage, you can remain here.
And for those in the mood for some exercise (even if it is only for others exercising):
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