What a Twit! Tony La Russa Embraces Social Media He Once Sued, Joins Twitter

Oct 22, 2009 at 11:11 am
click to enlarge TLR's mugshot on Twitter
TLR's mugshot on Twitter
That's right. Yesterday, Tony La Russa joined the ranks of millions when he registered a real Twitter account under his name.

As you'll recall, the Cardinals skipper sued Twitter back in May, when he discovered someone was passing himself (or herself) off as La Russa on the popular social media site. The lawsuit alleged that Twitter was damaging the trademark rights to La Russa's famous name.

The legal claim was soon dropped, however, when it became evident that La Russa didn't stand a chance of winning the suit, thanks in part to federal laws that prevent websites from being held accountable for what their users post online.

Following the suit's dismissal, a rumor circulated that La Russa agreed to settle the case after Twitter made a sizable donation to La Russa's Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF). But that wasn't true. The case was settled without any monetary compensation, according to reports.

We bring this last tidbit up, because ARF is all that La Russa has tweeted about thus far on his account.

Yes, even as Redbird Nation remains on tenterhooks awaiting his decision as to whether he'll sign on to a fifteenth season with the Cardinals, La Russa has ARF on his mind.

His tweet yesterday announces that he's working on his Stars to the Rescue benefit concert. "Stay tuned here for performer announcements," writes La Russa.

Hmm, wonder who he's got in mind for this year? Huey Lewis? REO Speedwagon? 

Guess we'll have to follow TonyLaRussa to find out.