Adam LaRoche retired because team didn’t want son around

A DAY after this star announced his retirement, the shocking — but heartwarming — reason why became known.

ADAM LaRoche chose family over $17 million (AUD).

A day after it was reported the Chicago White Sox first baseman was retiring from baseball, the shocking reason why became known.

White Sox president Kenny Williams asked LaRoche to have his 14-year-old son, Drake, around the team less often this season, Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal reports.

Williams, perhaps seeing the growing backlash, reached out to tell his side of the story.

“This young man that we’re talking about, Drake, everyone loves this young man. In no way do I want this to be about him,” Williams told Ken Rosenthal.

“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. All I’m asking you to do with regard to bringing your kid to the ballpark is dial it back.’”

I don’t think he should be here 100 per cent of the time — and he has been here 100 per cent, every day, in the clubhouse. I said that I don’t even think he should be here 50 per cent of the time. Figure it out, somewhere in between. We all think his kid is a great young man. I just felt it should not be every day, that’s all. You tell me, where in this country can you bring your child to work every day?”

Washington Nationals first baseman Adam LaRoche, right, and his son, Drake.

LaRoche — who had $17 million remaining on his contract — has been silent on the subject, simply announcing his retirement in an unexpected Twitter post on Tuesday.

The 36-year-old spent 12 seasons in the major leagues with the Braves, Pirates, Red Sox, Diamondbacks, Nationals and White Sox.

But LaRoche’s friend, Brewers reliever Blain Boyer, went on the attack against Williams and his new stance.

“I honestly think this is between good and evil,” Boyer told Fox Sports. “I know which side Adam lives on. I’m thankful to see the way he’s acting. It’s an unbelievable test of who he is, the husband he is, the father he is.”

Good for you Roche! Nothing like father and son in the clubhouse..It's a FAMILY game #FamilyFirst

— Bryce Harper (@Bharper3407) March 16, 2016

LaRoche’s relationship with Drake — and the boy’s presence in the White Sox clubhouse — was painted as a positive influence at best, a non-distraction at worst.

“There’s going to be a time coming pretty quick when [Drake and daughter Montana] are going to be out of the house, doing their own thing, and I don’t want to look back and regret these years where I could have done more. I learned that from my dad, “Adam told the Chicago Tribune last June.

Drake, according to the Tribune, was a fixture around the White Sox — whether it be home or away last season — and was well received by the players on the team.

“I’m always hitting and playing catch,” Drake told the paper. “I’m never just really sitting around, so that helps. I always ask them when I’m hitting, ask them if they see anything wrong, and they’ll tell me.”

That won’t be happening anymore.

“I respect the man and his decision,” said Williams, who ironically drafted his son Kenny Williams Jr. in the 2008 draft.

“I can’t disagree with what [Blaine Boyer] said about Adam as a person. But I take exception to the ‘evil’ part.”

Drake has been a regular fixture during LaRoche’s career.

Originally published as Adam LaRoche retired because team didn’t want son around