Tony La Russa: Deaths of my pitcher, mother and friend | Forward Progress
Tony La Russa: Deaths of my pitcher, mother and friend | Forward Progress  
Podcast: In Depth With Graham Bensinger
Published On: Thu Feb 12 2026
Description: Tony La Russa experienced a great deal of loss during the 2002 season. The former St. Louis Cardinals manager details how he pulled his team and organization through the deaths of pitcher Darryl Kile and announcer and friend Jack Buck to win the National League Central Division title. Plus, La Russa opens up about his last conversation with Kile, and how it solidified his leadership style.