⚾ Will Sox’s Tony La Russa get fired…again?
By Sidney Madden | @sidney_madden_
⚾ Fire Tony?
White Sox manager Tony La Russa is making headlines — again.
It started in the sixth inning of the June 9 game in Chicago: The Dodgers had a runner on second when the controversial Hall of Famer called for LA shortstop Trea Turner to be walked when he had one ball and two strikes. That call opened the door for infielder Max Muncy to hit a three-run homer, giving the Dodgers the lead to win.
La Russa’s reasoning? He wanted left-handed Sox pitcher Bennett Sousa to take on Muncy, citing Muncy’s record hitting from the left-hand side this season, Sports Illustrated reported.
And that was last week. So why’re we still talking about La Russa?
⚾ His call set off a firestorm of criticism. Fans chanted “Fire Tony!” during a home game Saturday against the Rangers, which the Chicago team lost 11-9.
⚾ NBC Sports Chicago, partially owned by Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf, cut the intentional walk sequence during a rebroadcast due to time constraints. The station has since said an outside contractor made the edits.
⚾ The Sox are riddled with injuries and bad performances this year, and La Russa is an unpopular figure to begin with.
Will La Russa get kicked to the curb this season? He has before. Reinsdorf fired La Russa in 1986, a decision the owner said he regretted after the manager won three World Series with other teams. That’s largely believed to be one reason Reinsdorf brought his friend out of retirement two years ago.
The Sox did just cream the Tigers 13-0 Wednesday, so maybe there’s a redemption arc for La Russa after all?
👉 Watch the Sox take on the Astros this weekend.
🍗 Harold’s Legacy
Harold’s is an institution. It’s as Chicago as “Soul Train” and machine politics. Today, Harold’s has dozens of franchises, is at major festivals, and has been hyped by a certain former U.S. prez. But it’s maintained a neighborhood feel through it all.
🎧 Writer Shakeia Taylor and professor Arionne Nettles tell us about Harold’s legacy. Plus, we hear from a former Harold’s franchise owner.
📰 Newsfeed
Abortions already up in Illinois. The state saw a 25% increase in abortions between 2017–2020 as abortion access in nearby states like Missouri became restricted. [WBEZ]
Lightfoot, Pritzker stump for Chicago DNC. The two are headed to D.C. to lobby for Chicago to host the 2024 Democratic National Convention. [Politico]
Could this South Shore theater be restored with crypto? The Avalon Regal Theater could be taken over by the Cook County Land Bank if owner Jerald Gary doesn’t pay off $1 million in taxes and other expenses soon. That’s in addition to millions more needed to restore the historic theater. [Block Club; City Cast]
PAWS Chicago dog adoption event Saturday 🐾 Get adoption fees waived if you adopt a furry friend over 40 pounds. [PAWS]
Sponsored by Don’t Tell Comedy: Don’t Tell Comedy’s Secret Anniversary Show
Join us at our special five-year anniversary secret stand-up comedy show in Wicker Park. Don’t Tell Comedy produces secret shows in over 50 cities across the U.S. The lineup and venue are kept secret until the day of the show. Admission is normally $25, but these anniversary shows are offering $5 off. For additional information, visit donttellcomedy.com/cities/chicago/.
🤎 Juneteenth Festivities
Celebrations are happening all over the city to commemorate the freeing of the last slaves in Galveston, Texas, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
Juneteenth is observed Monday this year, but you can celebrate all weekend!
Saturday
Celebration of Freedom
Bronzeville
Jubilee & Resource Fair
Uptown
Juneteenth Black Parade
Pilsen
“Black Panther” concert
Downtown
Sunday
BBQ & Block Party
Hyde Park
Father’s March Celebration
Englewood
Liberated Living Healing Clinic
Back of the Yards.
Festival on the Square shows
Bridgeport
👉 Get more ideas from The Triibe and Block Club Chicago!