May 22, 200620 yr Rare Bird Sighting: Ozzie Smith By Rick Hummel ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH 05/21/2006 In the 10 years since his retirement, Ozzie Smith has been only a distant Cardinal, and says he'll remain that way until team management changes. Smith said he hadn't felt he belonged with the Cardinals since his last year with them coincided with manager Tony La Russa's first year as manager. "I think everybody knows that I didn't fit in," Smith said. "And when you don't fit in . . . that's one of the reasons why I kind of backed off (of doing on-field work with the Cardinals). I won't do anything as long as the current management is in place." [More in URL] Tony La Russa on Ozzie Smith: 'He's not welcome' By Rick Hummel ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH 05/21/2006 Cardinals manager Tony La Russa, after reading a story in Sunday's Post-Dispatch that, in part, reiterated Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith's disinclination to participate in club-related field activities as long as La Russa was manager, said he had changed his mind about inviting Smith to spring-training camp as an instructor. La Russa, before reading the text, had said he didn't think they would be going to dinner, given their past differences, but that Smith could be helpful if he wanted to join the other Hall of Famers who generally go to Jupiter, Fla., in the spring. Upon further review, there was a stark reversal of field Sunday by La Russa, who was not proffering an olive branch. "Speaking personally, I don't think he would be good for our ballclub," said La Russa, who sought out the Post-Dispatch before the game. "For him to repeat those comments is really unreasonable. That invitation is no longer there. "He's not welcome." [More in URL] What a damn joke this is becoming.. the two are acting like little kids.. Really sad.. :thumbdown
May 22, 200620 yr Author Yes La Russa is an ass.. or scumbag.. but Ozzie is being a retard about this more than Tony.. Tony has gave him a chance to get the f over it.. Ozzie came out the other night and said what he said.. he's not exactly doing anything to make me happy about him either.. My other thoughts: Ozzie: It's been 10 years, LET IT GO! Tony: Tried to make peace with him, Ozzie didnt accept.. LET IT GO!! Hummel: If that's all you can write about to try and stir stuff up again, maybe he should LET IT GO!!!
May 22, 200620 yr wow...i considered la russa a classy guy. they're fighting like a bunch of two-year-olds, they need to stop pouting and work out their differences. it's absurd not to take advantage of the wiz's services in spring training.
May 23, 200620 yr wow...i considered la russa a classy guy. they're fighting like a bunch of two-year-olds, they need to stop pouting and work out their differences. it's absurd not to take advantage of the wiz's services in spring training. Exactly. La Russa needs to make a heartfelt apology if the Cards want to take advantage of having the coaching services and advice of one of the best shortstops of the modern age. Then again, that might not be enough. It seems Ozzie is dead set against getting involved in anything with LaRussa.
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