Tony LaRussa, who was the manager of the Knoxville Sox, has been elected to the Southern League Hall of Fame. LaRussa will be joined by Tom Glavine and Gabe Kapler in June at the All-Star Game in Pensacola, Fla.

A panel of 20 voters considered individuals for their accomplishments and contributions to the league on the field or as an administrative personnel. It's the league's fourth induction class.

LaRussa, who was drafted by the Kansas City Athletics, played for the Birmingham Barons in 1965. The team moved to Mobile for the next season, and LaRussa played a role in the A's winning the Southern League pennant. The team returned to Birmingham as the A's one year later and LaRussa was again a part of a league title.

LaRussa retired from playing in 1977 and in 1978 was named manager by the White Sox to lead the Class AA affiliate in Knoxville.

He was the manager for the first half of 1978 and the Sox finished 72-63 and won the Western Division title and later defeated Savannah 2-1 in the championship series. In 1979, LaRussa finished the season as Chicago’s manager, beginning a 33-year career in the major leagues.

“Tony LaRussa began his career as a player in one of the best organizations in baseball, as the Athletics were building towards a dynasty as they won three straight World Series Championships around that time period,” said Tennessee Smokies broadcaster Mick Gillispie in a team release. “LaRussa took that same winning spirit, and brought it with him to Knoxville in 1978. He laid the groundwork for the last on field championship for the Smokies franchise, and went on to have an iconic career as a manager in the MLB. It only makes sense that one of the all-time legends is now in the Southern League Hall of Fame.”

Glavine started 22 games for the 1986 Greenville Braves and was 11-6 with a 3.41 ERA. He is already in the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Kapler was the minor league player of the year in 1998 for the Jacksonville Suns. He still holds numerous Southern League records.