Chicago White Sox first baseman/designated hitter Adam LaRoche left a guaranteed $13 million salary on the table as he announced his retirement on Tuesday. The decision came after White Sox president Ken Williams told LaRoche he needed to limit the access his 14-year-old son Drake has with the team and clubhouse.
Drake was given a locker inside the White Sox clubhouse when LaRoche signed a two-year, $25 million contract. The teenager regularly traveled with the clubs on road trips last season. LaRoche’s decision sparked plenty of debate and the veteran also received support from former teammates, and current and former players.
When asked for his opinion on the matter, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts explained it’s not a scenario he encountered during his 10-year career. “For me, in all the years I’ve spent in Major League clubhouses, I’ve never had an issue,” Roberts said.
The first-year manager said the Dodgers have not told players their children aren’t permitted in the clubhouse, nor have they encountered any issues. However, Roberts acknowledged not all situations are equal.
“I’m not in their clubhouse, so I don’t know the dynamic,” he said. “I’ve played against Adam and I know Adam. He’s all about family and we all love our families. I really can’t speak to the entire matter.”
LaRoche last appeared in a game on March 5 and has missed time since due to back spasms. In his first season with the White Sox, he struggled and batted .207/.293/.340 with 12 home runs and 44 RBIs in 127 games.
Along with the White Sox, LaRoche played for the Atlanta Braves (2004-06, 2009), Pittsburgh Pirates (2007-09), Boston Red Sox (200), Arizona Diamondbacks (2010), Washington Nationals (2011-14) during his 12-year Major League career.
