Sweet Lou Piniella ready for life's next chapter

"It's really true."

That quote is from Lou Piniella, just a couple of minutes after a bulletin broke over the Associated Press wire early Tuesday afternoon that he will retire as manager of the Chicago Cubs once this season is over. When he picked up on the second ring, all I could ask at first was, "Is it really true?"

He said it was.

And just like that, a 40-year career in baseball - 22 as a manager - officially entered its final stage. This child of West Tampa, educated at the University of Tampa, is coming home.

"When I signed here four years ago I knew I had a short time on the horizon," he said. "I knew even then that this was going to be it. After this year, it's over. My family needs me home, my friends need me home and I need to be home. That's it."

What a ride it was though. He brings 1,826 wins as a manager with him, 14th most in big-league history. He also brings an unmatched legacy for passion, commitment, and joy. He was actually a little annoyed that the story had broken before he was ready. It leaked out of New York before he had a chance to tell his players and reporters in Chicago.

"I'm very displeased with that," he said. "Exceedingly displeased. But once it's out there, aw, what are you gonna do?"

I heard that phrase countless times from Lou over the years, never more than in his three seasons as manager with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. He had come home the conquering hero, the chosen one to lift the local ball club from its perennial malaise into respectability. You need players, though, and he didn't have enough.

So often during those days a pitcher would throw badly, or a hitter would fail to execute, or management wouldn't try to sign talent. Lou would seethe, simmer, bubble and boil, then look you in the eye and ask, "Aw, what are you gonna do?"

There were so many good times here too, though. He was able to spend time with his elderly parents, and walk along the shore with his wonderful wife, Anita, at his beach house in Pinellas County. There were always friends around. There was a lot of laughter and smiles.

"I was able to do something for a career that I enjoyed as a kid," he said. "I thank God every day that he gave me this gift. I had never given retirement a thought, but it's time. Once this season is over, that's it, and that's really all there is to it.

"It has nothing to do with anything else. I'm in good health and I've enjoyed my four years in Chicago. The people here are great; I have nothing but good things to say. But I want to enjoy my family."

Remember how he took over the Cincinnati Reds in 1990 when they trained in Plant City? The Reds were coming off the Pete Rose scandal and were run by loony ol' Marge Schott. She used to rub hair from her beloved St. Bernard on Lou as a good luck charm. The Reds didn't need it.

I'm not sure any club has ever reflected the personality of its manager better than that one. Those Reds were fiery, feisty and could beat you in multiple ways. They went wire-to-wire and swept Oakland (and Tampa pal Tony La Russa) in the World Series. It was Lou's top baseball moment in a career filled with triumph.

You think about the Yankees years, where Piniella gained acclaim as a player and, later, as a manager and general manager. Or how he led Seattle to 116 victories.

You think how his snarl was almost always followed by either a wink or an apology, depending on the situation. He is really just a teddy bear.

OK, a base-throwing, hat-tossing, dirt-kicking teddy bear.

Taking the Cubs to the World Series would have been the ultimate, but that won't happen. They made the playoffs his first two seasons there but last year was a struggle. It didn't get better this year. It was national news with Lou erupted at pitcher Carlos Zambrano. Frustration with the play of his team has bubbled over a lot this season.

"It has been a tough season but you take tough seasons as part of the deal," he said.

He might like to keep a hand in the game. After Lou left the Rays, owner Stu Sternberg said he'd be welcome back some day. There might be a chance for something there.

But no more managing after this season.

It's really true.

That seems so strange, but we all know it's time. Aw, what are you gonna do?