On Wednesday March 16th, first basemen Adam LaRoche retired from the White Sox organization, walking away from a $13 million paycheck. For many years, LaRoche has brought his 14 year old son Drake with him to multiple practices and games, eventually giving Drake the nickname of the “team’s 26th man”. According to inside sources, Drake spent his days in the clubhouse rather than a classroom. LaRoche stated, “He’s going to learn a lot more useful information in the clubhouse than he will in the classroom, as far as life lessons,’ to the Washington Post. A few days ago however, White Sox President Ken Williams asked LaRoche to keep his son from the clubhouse during the upcoming season. After this request, LaRoche decided to step away from the White Sox, retiring at the age of 36.

There is something admirable about a man who would leave an amazing career for his family. While some may argue it’s easy for him to quit due to his salary, playing in the major league as a professional baseball takes years of blood sweat and tears to achieve. LaRoche grew up playing baseball, and eventually took his talents to high school until being drafted in the 29th round of the 2000 amateur draft by the Atlanta Braves. Making his debut in the Major Leagues for the Nationals in 2004, LaRoche would continue to play on three other teams: Braves, Pirates, and the White Sox. After years and years of playing ball, LaRoches’ decisiont to quit when asked to choose between his family and his job is a quintessential example of “family comes first”.

First, LaRoche and his wife made the bold decision of keeping their son from school because of the life he was living. LaRoche believed in having his son Drake experience life on the road with a professional baseball team. This life choice is some many admire, and others argue. I personally believe if it is what the parents and child both like, then go for it. Many of the baseball players have been through hell and back to reach their dreams, making them amazing role models for a 14 year old boy. As for quitting due to the request, I fully support and admire Adam LaRoche’s decision to step away from the game he loves because his son is more important to him than the $13 million paycheck.