CHICAGO (CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM) — Cubs manager Lou Piniella said Tuesday he will retire after the season, ending a storied and colorful career that included 18 years as a player, 22 as a manager.
Piniella, 66, who made five trips to the World Series in his career and has three championship rings, said he was looking forward to spending more time with his family. He didn’t rule out consulting for the Cubs or another team, but made it clear he was getting out of the daily grind.
“It’s been a wonderful experience,” he said. “There’s no way that I won’t cherish the memories here.”
But, he added: “I’ve been away from home since 1962. That’s about 50 years.”
General manager Jim Hendry said Cubs Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg, now a minor league manager in Des Moines, will be a candidate for the job. He said Piniella’s replacement won’t be hired before the end of the season.
Former Tigers shortstop and manager Alan Trammell is the Cubs’ bench coach.
Piniella’s record is 1,826-1,691 (.519), including a World Series win with the Reds in 1990. He won two rings as a player with the Yankees.
Piniella also managed the Yankees, Mariners and Rays.
Lou is retiring, what a great baseball career. We will miss you Lou