Choas in Clubhouse?

MLB players escorting their sons to the dugout has been an annual tradition. Watching their role models take the field is enticing. However, on March 17th, White Sox first baseman Adam LaRoche reaction to the team’s clubhouse policies did not proceed to a happy ending. After general manager Kenny Williams requested Adam to limit his son's access to the clubhouse,

LaRoche, #FamilyFirst, indicated a farewell on his triumphant career. Despite being guaranteed thirteen million dollars this season, LaRoche showed his endearing care toward his fourteen year old son Drake. “Sometimes you have to make decisions in the world that are unpopular,” LaRoche stated. Having his best friend by his side was a key benefit that came with LaRoche career. Former players such as Tony Perez of the Cincinnati Reds and Bob Boone of the Philadelphia Phillies each had the opportunity to have their sons travel and experience the road to the show. However, there are different consequences and rules in regards to children staying in the dugout. “Different clubs had different rules, different levels of leniency,” Boone stated. Respecting team policies and obeying at a mature level is deceptively important during each and every game.

According to Kenny Williams, the White Sox permitted children to be in the same work proximity as their father. However, the White Sox had always encouraged players to bring their children to the clubhouse and Drake had been a part of that tradition. Williams had told LaRoche on multiple occasions that Drake was too involved with the team. He said that Drake should be in the clubhouse between zero to fifty percent of the time and felt too responsible with Drake constantly visiting the team. Nonetheless, Williams reported that he had kept his rules about children in the clubhouse consistent. This factor had a culminating effect on LaRoche decision of cutting ties with the team.

Playing by the rules is a sacrificial path that MLB players endure throughout the season. LaRoche stood up for his beliefs, but could not overcome altercations with the White Sox. Bonding time is essential because of constant traveling and the lack of family time during baseball season. The aftermath of LaRoche retirement foreshadows the lack of compromises that LaRoche could have requested. The outcome of Drake’s limitations to the White Sox clubhouse promotes raising questions regarding other MLB clubhouse policies..