Tony La Russa, St. Louis Cardinals Agree on Contract Through 2011 Season

Tony La Russa, the third- winningest manager in Major League Baseball history, signed a one-year extension with the St. Louis Cardinals, the team said on its website.

La Russa, 66, has managed the team since 1996. The contract, signed today, includes a mutual option for the 2012 season.

“We are excited to have Tony returning and are looking forward to 2011,” Cardinals chairman and chief executive officer Bill DeWitt Jr. said on the website. “He has guided the team in one of the greatest eras in Cardinals history and we are pleased that he will continue that leadership next season.”

In 15 seasons in St. Louis, La Russa has managed the team to a 1,318 wins, eight National League Central division titles and a World Series title in 2006. His 2,638 wins with the Chicago White Sox, Oakland Athletics and Cardinals rank third on the career list behind Connie Mack (3,731) and John McGraw (2,763).

To contact the reporter on this story: Eben Novy-Williams in New York enovywilliam@bloomberg.net

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Michael Sillup at msillup@bloomberg.net