A surprise choice a year ago to manage the Sox, Robin Ventura has received high marks for his first season on the job. Ventura restored peace and calm in the organization and kept a team that wasn’t picked to win in first place for 117 days.
An even bigger stunner than Ventura’s hiring would be his going “one-and-done” and not returning after this season with two left on his contract. Ventura has just the kind of California demeanor to return to the normal family life he was enjoying as long as chairman Jerry Reinsdorf gave his blessing.
But contrary to recent rumblings that such a scenario could unfold, Ventura told the Sun-Times on Saturday that he wants to return. The subject indirectly came up during his pregame media session when he was asked if he sees himself managing as long as Walter Alston or Tommy Lasorda. His answer did nothing to defuse speculation that he wasn’t in love with the job.
“No, I can’t,” Ventura said. “Those guys did it a long time, and I’m hoping to get through this one [season].”
Asked to clarify that later, Ventura said that he wants to keep managing. But not for 20 years like Lasorda.
“As long as they want me, yes,” Ventura said.
There doesn’t seem to be much doubt about that.
