Lou Piniella to retire today

[EtotheKallday17]

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/dailypitch/post/2010/08/cubs-manager-lou-piniella-wont-wait-for-october-to-retire-after-todays-game/1

Didn't see that one coming...

[Boy Howdy]

Hats off to Lou.

Almost 46 years ago, he made his MLB wearing #24 in an Orioles uniform, grounding out as a pinch-hitter for the late Robin Roberts in a loss in LA.

Three of his four Orioles appearances came as a pinch-runner, many bottles of beer ago.

[Moose Milligan]

Hahaha, they suck so bad he can't even finish the rest of the season.

[Tony-OH]

"When I previously announced my intentions to retire at the end of the season, a primary reason for my decision was that it would allow me to spend more valuable time with my family. That time has unfortunately gotten here sooner than I could have ever expected. As many know, the several weeks since that announcement was made have been very difficult on a family level, requiring two leaves of absence from the club. While I fully intended to manage this club the rest of the season, a family situation at home now requires my full attention.

As I said last month, I couldn't be more appreciative of the Cubs organization for providing me the opportunity to be their manager. I wouldn't trade this experience for anything in the world and I consider this the ultimate way to end my managerial career. I am thankful to the Ricketts family for their support – Cubs fans are fortunate to have an owner like the Ricketts family to lead this organization for the long-term. I also couldn't be more thankful to Jim Hendry for bringing me to Chicago. ... Finally, to the Cubs fans, thank you for four wonderful seasons. You are the best, most deserving fans in all of baseball and it has been an honor to manage your ballclub."

Classy move for the guy to look out for his family. Great career, but for some reason, I think we'll see him manage again one day.

[Mark Carver]

Lou Piniella today announced he has elected to step down as manager of the Chicago Cubs following this afternoon's game against the Atlanta Braves at Wrigley Field for family reasons. (Editor's Note: Piniella's mother has been in failing health for some time).

The Biz of Baseball

[Moose Milligan]

Classy move for the guy to look out for his family. Great career, but for some reason, I think we'll see him manage again one day.

I retract my previous statement...didn't see why he was retiring.

[Frobby]

I'm glad to see Piniella has his priorities in order. His mom is in dire straits and he needs to be there for her.

Unlike Tony, I think Lou is done as a manager. He's 67 years old and has been through a lot of wars. Time to hang 'em up.

[Glenn Gulliver Fan]

Well, Sweet Lou, thanks for all the memories.

He was a real character and very honest. Never a bore, either.

[Sports Guy]

He did say today that this is the last time he will wear a uniform.

But still, after a few years away from the game, you have to wonder.

But he is pushing 70, so I doubt it.

[Scarey]

I retract my previous statement...didn't see why he was retiring.

I'm not sure why you would otherwise find it funny anyway.

[byrdz]

Good luck Lou, it's been a joy watching you manage and maybe when you're ready to come back, the Orioles will have yet another opening waiting for you.

Side note: Wow, if Lou is 67, how old must his mom be??

[byrdz]

I'm not sure why you would otherwise find it funny anyway.

That he'd retire because the team was so bad? It'd be kinda humorous if that were the case.