While the Breeder’s Cup betting has been occupying many sports betting fans for the past few weeks, MLB has seen a significant change as long-time Cardinals’ manager Tony La Russa unexpectedly retired two days after his Cardinals won the World Series from the Texas Rangers.

After 33 years, three World Series wins and 2,728 total wins. He is the winningest manager in St. Louis Cardinals’ history and was in St. Louis for two of his three World Series titles. His first price per head World Series title was as the manager of the Oakland A’s in 1989.

La Russa had given no indication to his team or the Cardinals’ organization that he was considering retirement. But it makes sense that one of the most successful managers in MLB history would go out on top.

In other intertops MLB executive news, Theo Epstein went from being the youngest GM in Boston Red Sox’ history to being the youngest team president in Chicago Cubs’ history when he took the job just after the season ended. Epstein’s departure follows the resignation of manager Terry Francona who had admitted to losing control of the Red Sox’ clubhouse as the Red Sox was experiencing the worst September slide in the team’s history.

Francona had an option year on his contract, but he resigned rather than deciding to exercise his option. While Francona’s last season with the Red Sox was not a memorable one, he did bring Boston two World Series titles during his time with the team. There are several managerial openings that have Francona’s name rumored to be attached to them.