Tony La Russa is regarded as one of the true geniuses in MLB managerial history. Now, how much micromanaging pitching staffs; batting the pitcher 8th in the lineup; and going 1 for 3 in World Series with a roster that includes Canseco, McGwire, Stewart and Eckersley are a true measure of genius is subject to debate for many. But it's hard to argue the genius of this move.
According to the Wall Street Journal , the third-winningest manager in MLB history has 17 cats living in his house. La Russa is a huge cat lover -- huge to the point that he started his Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) after taking in a cat in the early 1990s that lived at the Oakland Coliseum and that a local shelter said would have otherwise been euthanized.
According to the Journal report, all of the 17 cats are rescues, though not all are permanent residents in the La Russ household. Most were foster cats, taking up residence until a permanent home could be found for them. Of course, that doesn't mean the mad genius wasn't able to name off all cats to the Journal:
" Skye, Pearl, Slash--named after a rock 'n' roll guitarist--Sophia, Maggie, Jack--
my daughter found him in the parking lot of a Jack in the Box--
Stella, Sierra, Kachina, Lakota, Fergus, Dexter--he's very precocious--
Misha, Cammie, Eddie, Patchy, Pawnee. "
Now sure, this is a very kindhearted gesture. But how, might you ask, is this yet another display of baseball genius? Well, one more cat and he has enough for two full baseball teams. Heck, he could put eight on a side right now, serve as full-time pitcher himself and one feline left over to relieve him.
Could this be La Russa's next great contribution to baseball? The Meow Leagues? The CBL (Cat Baseball League)?
Heck, just think if he does start up a league. Here's how the bullpen cart would work.
And if he needs fans, this guy looks like he's very content to relax and watch hoops -- we're sure he could take in America's Pastime, too.
And when the games are over, his players could hit the town for some nightlife. Twerking cats, anyone?
Warning: Explicit lyrics and suggestive cat dancing.
H/t: USA Today
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