REUTERS/John Gress
Even “Sweet Lou” couldn’t serenade the Billy Goat and end Chicago’s 100-plus years of the October curse.
Piniella announced his retirement on Tuesday, which will be effective at the end of the 2010 season. The 66-year-old is in the final season of a four-year contract with Chicago, which marks his 40th season in the majors (18 as a player, 22 as a manager.)
“I couldn’t be more appreciative of the Cubs organization for providing me the opportunity to manage this ballclub,” Piniella said in a statement. “I’ve had four wonderful years here that I wouldn’t trade for anything in the world. I’ve grown to love the city and the fans but at my age (67 at the end of the season) it will be time to enter a new phase in my life.”
As Piniella enters a new phase, so do the Cubs. Chicago captured back-to-back division titles in 2007 and 2008, but 83 wins was not enough last season for a third-straight postseason appearance. Entering Tuesday night, the Cubs and their 102-year World-Series championship drought sat 10.5 games back in the National League Central race.