White Sox DH Adam LaRoche abruptly walked away from baseball Wednesday because a new team policy would not allow him to bring his 14-year-old son Drake to the ballpark every day. He chose family over baseball.
LaRoche has received an overwhelming amount of support from other players around the league. In fact, his former ChiSox teammates nearly boycotted Wednesday's game because they were so upset. Manager Robin Ventura talked them into playing, however.
Ace lefty Chris Sale did not hide his feelings about the LaRoche situation. According to multiple reports, he had a "contentious" meeting with president Kenny Williams non Wednesday.
Sources tell me one of the players very upset w/Kenny Williams was Chris Sale. The meeting yesterday was very contentious and Sale spoke up.
— David Kaplan (@thekapman) March 17, 2016
Heard same as @thekapman: In a contentious meeting, Chris Sale absolutely lit up White Sox prez Kenny Williams over Adam LaRoche situation.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) March 17, 2016
Sale told Williams, unequivocally, to get out of the clubhouse and stay out, per a source. Williams acknowledges meeting was passionate. 2/2
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) March 17, 2016
"I asked Adam, said, 'Listen, our focus, our interest, our desire this year is to make sure we give ourselves every opportunity to focus on a daily basis on getting better,'" said Williams on Wednesday. "All I’m asking you to do with regard to bringing your kid to the ballpark is dial it back."
I don't think it's unreasonable for the White Sox to ask LaRoche to not bring his son to the ballpark every single day. Clearly the players disagree. The clubhouse is their domain and the general sense is the players and the managers should set the rules, not the front office.
Regardless of what side of the debate you're on, it's clear White Sox players are not happy. When Chris Sale speaks up, you listen.
