Chicago White Sox first baseman Adam LaRoche walked away from baseball on Tuesday, citing “personal reasons.”
One day later, and it would appear LaRoche made his decision to retire after being told by the team his 14-year-old son Drake was no longer welcome in the clubhouse, reports Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal.
Milwaukee reliever Brewers Blaine Boyer commended LaRoche on his decision.
White Sox president Ken Williams issued the following statement to Rosenthal, disputing LaRoche’s claim.
“There has been no policy change with regards to allowance of kids in the clubhouse, on the field, the back fields during spring training. This young man that we’re talking about, Drake, everyone loves this young man. In no way do I want this to be about him.
“I asked Adam, said, ‘Listen, our focus, our interest, our desire this year is to make sure we give ourselves every opportunity to focus on a daily basis on getting better. All I’m asking you to do with regard to bringing your kid to the ballpark is dial it back.’
“I don’t think he should be here 100 percent of the time – and he has been here 100 percent, every day, in the clubhouse. I said that I don’t even think he should be here 50 percent of the time. Figure it out, somewhere in between.
“We all think his kid is a great young man. I just felt it should not be every day, that’s all. You tell me, where in this country can you bring your child to work every day?”
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.