Who Is Tony La Russa? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Tony La Russa was born on October 4, 1944, which makes him 80 years old in 2025. An esteemed figure in the realm of baseball, La Russa is best known for his remarkable career as both an MLB player and manager. He began his professional journey with the Chicago Cubs in the 1960s before establishing himself as a successful manager for teams such as the Oakland Athletics and St. Louis Cardinals. La Russa’s accolades include multiple World Series championships and numerous Manager of the Year awards, solidifying his legacy in baseball history.
| Occupation | Baseball Manager |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 4, 1944 |
| Age | 80 Years |
| Birth Place | Tampa, Florida, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Tony La Russa's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Tony La Russa stands at a height of approximately 6 feet (183 cm) and weighs around 200 pounds (91 kg). While specific body measurements may vary, La Russa’s athletic build reflects his active lifestyle and decades spent in professional sports.
As a player, La Russa made his major league debut in 1963 and spent parts of five major league seasons with the Kansas City / Oakland Athletics, Atlanta Braves, and Chicago Cubs.
After a shoulder injury during the 1964–65 off-season, he returned to college and received a degree from the University of South Florida before playing much of the remainder of his career in the minor leagues until retiring in 1977. He then earned a Juris Doctor degree from Florida State University.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Tony La Russa is married to his long-time partner, Elaine. The couple has been together for several decades and has shared a fulfilling life both on and off the baseball field. They have two daughters, which amplifies the familial legacy that La Russa has built. There have been no public speculations regarding La Russa's dating status outside of his marriage, affirming his commitment to his family.
Born in Tampa, Florida, on October 4, 1944, to Anthony and Olivia (Cuervo) La Russa, Anthony Jr.'s paternal grandparents had emigrated from Italy (Sicily) and his mother's family from Spain. He was raised in nearby Ybor City, Florida, where his parents had met while they were working in the local cigar factory.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Tony La Russa's net worth is estimated to be around $50 million. This impressive figure stems from his successful career in Major League Baseball, where he has earned considerable income through managerial contracts, endorsements, and his contributions to various baseball-related ventures. His earnings particularly peaked during his time managing the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago White Sox.
After graduating from Jefferson High School in Tampa, La Russa was signed by the Kansas City Athletics in June 1962 as a middle infielder, with a clause that the Athletics pay for his college education at the University of South Florida.
Career, Business, and Investments
La Russa's career has been decorated with numerous achievements. After his playing days, he transitioned to management and became one of the most respected figures in baseball. He led the Oakland Athletics to three consecutive American League pennants and won two World Series titles with the Cardinals.
Beyond baseball, La Russa is involved in various business ventures and is an advocate for animal rights. He has contributed to animal welfare organizations and has also been a vocal supporter of community service initiatives. His investments include partnerships in the restaurant and sports memorabilia industries, further diversifying his income streams.
Anthony La Russa Jr. (born October 4, 1944) is an American former professional baseball player, coach, and manager. His MLB career has spanned from 1963 to 2022, in several roles. He is the former manager of the St. Louis Cardinals, Oakland Athletics, and Chicago White Sox.
In 33 years as a manager, La Russa guided his teams to three World Series titles, six league championships, and 13 division titles. His managerial total of 2,884 MLB wins is second only to Connie Mack's.
Social Network
Tony La Russa maintains a presence on various social media platforms, including Twitter and Instagram, where he engages with fans and shares insights from his life and career. His social media activity often includes updates on baseball, family moments, and his involvement in charitable causes.
Having started coursework following his A's signing in 1962, La Russa graduated from the University of South Florida in 1969 with a degree in Industrial Management. He earned a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Florida State University College of Law in 1978. and was admitted to the Florida Bar on July 30, 1980.
He is associated with a Sarasota law firm although he is not eligible to practice at this time.
La Russa has been quoted as saying, "I decided I'd rather ride the buses in the minor leagues than practice law for a living." Shortly before graduating from FSU College of Law, La Russa spoke with one of his professors about his post-graduation plans, indicating to his professor that he had an opportunity to coach in the minor leagues and asking h
is professor what he should do.
La Russa's professor responded, "Grow up, you're an adult now, you're going to be a lawyer."
Education
Tony La Russa attended the University of Southern California, where he was a standout baseball player. His time at USC significantly shaped his early baseball career, providing him with the foundational skills and knowledge that would later contribute to his success as a manager.
He is one of a select number of major league managers in baseball history who have graduated from law school or passed a state bar exam; others include James Henry O'Rourke (Buffalo Bisons, 1881–84, Washington Senators, 1893), John Montgomery Ward (New York Giants, Brooklyn and Providence, late 1800s), Hughie Jennings (Detroit, 1907–20, New Yor
k Giants, 1924), Miller Huggins (St.
Louis Cardinals and New York Yankees, 1913–29), Muddy Ruel (St. Louis Browns, 1947), Jack Hendricks (St. Louis Cardinals, 1918, Cincinnati, 1924–29), and Branch Rickey (St. Louis Browns, 1913–15, St. Louis Cardinals, 1919–25).
