Adam LaRoche Retires After Son’s Time in Clubhouse is Reduced

Adam LaRoche the veteran slugger for the Chicago White Sox walked out of the White Sox clubhouse for the last time and away from a $13 million contract after Ken Williams, the team president told him that he must limit the amount of time that Drake, his 14-year old son spent in the clubhouse with the team.

The 36-year old LaRoche announced on Tuesday that he was retiring hinting that the reason was his family.

When the news of the reason became known to the public, Williams addressed that issue on Wednesday with reporters.

The White Sox president said that children are still allowed inside the team clubhouse but just not every day, saying that no other job would permit that.

Williams added that sometimes decisions need to be made that are not popular. He added that the team always encouraged children in the clubhouse as well as on the field, but he thought LaRoche’s son Drake was there too often.

Williams said last week he talked about cutting the time LaRoche’s son could be inside the clubhouse with the veteran, and again last Sunday.

LaRoche was a designated hitter after moving there from playing first base. He signed a $25 million two-year contract last year with the White Sox. He has been suffering from back spasms and has not played since early March.

In a story published in 2013, LaRoche spoke of having his son with him always.

He said it was like being with your son and best friend all day while at work, which is never allowed to happen.

He added that there were not many jobs where your child can join you each day.

Dave LaRoche, Adam’s father, was a pitcher in the majors until Adam was 4 and then went on to be a coach. Andy, LaRoche’s brother, was also a major league player.

For years, having sons in the clubhouse has been the culture in the big leagues. Cal Ripkin Jr., Ken Griffey Jr. and Prince Fielder all grew up in the clubhouses of the team’s their fathers played for.

Clubs have different rules as it pertains to kids. Players on the White Sox said that having Drake in the clubhouse did not create a problem for them. He even helped doing things.

Williams has stressed that it did not have to do with Drake, but he wanted his team to be as focused as possible on the game at all times. The White Sox have missed the postseason the past 8 seasons and made a number of moves this offseason to get back to the playoffs.