Last week, after rallying from 10.5 games back in the wild-card race on Aug. 25 in one of the most incredible late-season runs in Major League Baseball history, the St. Louis Cardinals were crowned World Series champions. They capped off what, just a little over a month ago, had seemed impossible with two consecutive wins in Games 6 and 7 after being just a strike away from defeat twice at the hands of the Texas Rangers.
Whether or not you believe in the magic of October, it's hard to locate a celestial outcome better than this in the world of sports. This wasn't just cloud nine for St. Louis — it was cloud 11. The most decorated team in the National League continued its winning tradition and brought relevancy back to the franchise.
And so when Tony LaRussa, the manager with the third-most wins of all-time, three rings (this being his second in the state of Missouri), and the fortitude to lead this squad's improbable charge to the league's exalted throne, announced his retirement just a few days later, I was shocked.
No front man in the history of the sport has ever walked away the year following a World Series title, until now. Thirty-three years of greatness, and this guy really didn't think he could pull off a couple more? That city would worship LaRussa forever, regardless of whether he could produce any more significant championship runs during the rest of his tenure.
Why would anyone walk away from what he is not just good at, but the best at?
It's a difficult question to tackle, a dilemma that numerous individuals regardless of the career in question are forced to consider at some point. Do I progress to the next step in my life, or continue for as long as I can with an established position?
At Boston College, especially considering the lackluster performance of his team this season, junior linebacker and captain of the football team Luke Kuechly is certainly in the midst of such inner turmoil.
The question for him obviously isn't to walk away from the game, as the All-American athlete is one of the most stellar performers to ever set foot on the Alumni Stadium turf. In less than three complete years, Kuechly has amassed 471 tackles (just the fifth Eagle to surpass the 400-mark). He already set a new program high in single-season tackles with 183 last year, and the NCAA all-time record of 545 is definitely within reach of his formidable grip.
That is, if he wants to stay at the Heights for one final senior campaign.
Kuechly is currently projected by ESPN guru Mel Kiper Jr. as a top-10 selection in the 2012 NFL Draft, and it's not hard to imagine the speedy, instinctive, and gritty Eagle would further rise up the boards if he remained at BC and continued his spectacular career.
That being said, though, injuries and uncertainties are common to football. An early move to the NFL might mean forgoing dominance and a collegiate degree, but it would guarantee millions, as well as a new, exciting opportunity regardless of whether Kuechly's skills translate effectively to the next level.
My advice for Luke – and this is from an impartial lens, I swear – is to pass up the money, fame, and glory and finish what he has started here at BC.
LaRussa made the right move by leaving St. Louis when he did. Superstar Albert Pujols may be on his way out, a World Series repeat hasn't happened since 2000, and the team's comeback has an eternal place in baseball lore. Personally, as well as from an organizational outlook, it's tough to top that.
As for Kuechly, from an individual perspective, there may not be any reason to remain a college student. The tackles, the national attention, the accolades. There isn't much more to accomplish. Not to mention this team is far from championship quality, even with a fourth year No. 40 leading the defense.
Maybe, in the end, that's what will keep him in maroon and gold for one more season. The Eagles, currently entrapped within their worst season since joining the ACC, will have to address some serious concerns this offseason.
Offensively, they are stagnant with a mediocre offensive line and a predictable scheme. Defensively, they are passive and lack play-making ability in the backfield. Intangibles? BC's record speaks to that side of the story.
Kuechly is no knight in shining armor, but frankly at this point, he's all BC has. Plus, who knows, maybe next year the improbable, impressive streak everyone will be talking about in sports will be coming from Chestnut Hill rather than St. Louis.
Now that would be a great way to go out.
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