PHOENIX -- Impending Hall of Fame inductee Tony La Russa is joining the Arizona Diamondbacks front office in the position of chief baseball officer. He will report to team president and chief executive officer Derrick Hall and oversee the team's entire baseball operations department.
La Russa, a member of the 2014 Hall of Fame class, has 33 years of managerial experience with the Chicago White Sox, Oakland Athletics and St. Louis Cardinals, during which time he won three World Series titles, six league championships and 12 division titles. He retired as manager of the Cardinals after leading them to the 2011 World Series title.
The Diamondbacks have struggled mightily in 2014 and enter Saturday's play in last place in the NL West with a 16-28 record. They have had back-to-back .500 seasons since winning the division title in 2011. GM Kevin Towers and manager Kirk Gibson both received unspecified contract extensions prior to the 2014 season, but both have come under scrutiny because of the team's slow start.
"The entire organization is obviously frustrated with the results on the field and we are looking to improve," Hall said in a statement. "Tony brings us a wealth of knowledge, experience and success, and will work closely with Kevin and Kirk in evaluating our current state to determine the future of our baseball operations. He is excited and enthusiastic about the challenge, and we are fortunate to have this Hall of Famer on board and a part of the team."
Hall said at a press conference announcing the hiring that La Russa, who signed a multiyear contract, will have final say over all baseball decisions.
La Russa, who makes his home in Alamo, Calif., also had a 16-year playing career and most recently worked for Major League Baseball as a special assistant to Commissioner Bud Selig, during which time he helped implement expanded instant replay.
La Russa will be one of three managers inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in July along with Bobby Cox and Joe Torre. Player inductees are Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux and Frank Thomas.
