With baseball's Opening Day set to kick off the 2011 MLB season, one face that won't be in the dugout for the first time in over 20 years, is Lou Piniella. Better known for his infamous on-the-field tirades that included lots of dirt kicking, base throwing and hat tossing, Piniella was one of the more colorful personalities in all of baseball who I'm sure added a little profanity every now and then. Having spent time at the helm of five different Major League ball clubs, Lou made his stamp on the game winning over 1,800 games and a World Series title with the Big Red Machine in 1990. In his third and final year with the Chicago Cubs last season, the 3-time Manager of the Year decided it was finally time to hang up what will undoubtedly be a Hall of Fame career.
Prior to the 2007 season, Piniella was called upon to help the Cubbies overcome and snap their dreaded 98 year World Series-less drought. However, despite their National League leading 97 wins in 2008, the Piniella led Cubs were unable to win a single Postseason game, as the windy city dry spell has now reached a record 102 years and counting. On the positive side of his '08 campaign, Piniella became only the second manager in Major League history to win 90+ games in a season with four different teams, joining Hall of Famer Dick Williams. Similar to his Postseason misfortunes with the Cubs, Piniella coached the 2001 Seattle Mariners squad that went on to win a record-tying 116 regular season games before getting swept in the ALDS by the eventual American League champion New York Yankees.
What many people forget is that Piniella also paid his dues as a player, where he jump started his impressive resume by earning AL Rookie of the Year honors in 1969 with the Kansas City Royals. A lone All-Star appearance in 1972 and two World Series triumphs while a member of the Yankees highlighted his illustrious career. One of the more celebrated players turned skippers of our time, Piniella was embraced by the fans just as much he was by the players, if not more. And although he announced his retirement and has no intentions on returning to coach, sweet Lou isn't a complete stranger to the game of baseball, and is now working in the San Francisco Giants front office serving as a special consultant.
Though he certainly won't be forgotten, I think I speak for everyone associated with baseball when I say we'll never see another character quite like Piniella. Thanks for the memories Lou!
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