The St. Louis Cardinals had a total of six players selected to the 2012 MLB All-Star game, but they will have a seventh Cardinal on hand during the game. Now-retired manager Tony La Russa received a rare offer from commissioner Bud Selig to manage the National League All-Stars.
And according to the players, there could not be any other way:
"It's just fitting," [David Freese] said. "To be an All-Star is great. You add the fact that Tony is managing the team with the 2011 staff and the other guys from the Cardinals that are here, and it's perfect."
Not only will La Russa bring good feelings to the Cards players, he can also offer the NL team a particular edge:
"I learned a lot from Tony," added [Rafael Furcal]. "He's one of the smartest managers I ever played for. He knows how to manage. To play for him one last time in the All-Star Game, for me, I'm so excited."
The 2012 MLB All-Star Game is scheduled to begin at 7:15 p.m. CDT.
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