Tony La Russa, manager of the World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals, was arrested on a charge of driving while intoxicated on Thursday after police found him asleep at the wheel of his car.
Florida police said La Russa was sleeping behind the wheel of his running sport utility vehicle at a traffic light at approximately midnight.
The 62-year-old La Russa provided two breath samples and had a blood alcohol content of 0.093 percent. Florida's legal limit is 0.08.
La Russa was arrested and booked on misdemeanor charges and was released from the Palm Beach County Jail after posting a US$500 bond.
La Russa, with a career record of 2,297-1,986, was on the bench for the Cardinals' Grapefruit League game against Florida on Thursday.
"I'm not sure what type of statement to give," La Russa said after the game. "Last night's situation is the opposite of feeling good. It was an embarrassment, so I apologize to anyone who is close to me, members of the Cardinals organization, our fans. I regret it, take responsibility and I'm not sure there is anything else I can say."
In a statement, the Cardinals expressed support for La Russa.
"The Cardinals organization remains supportive of Tony and we understand that he has enlisted representation to advise him in any legal process," a team spokesman said.
"The Cardinals apologize for any embarrassment and or distraction this reported occurrence has created towards the team and its loyal fans," the spokesman said.
According to the police report, undercover officers spotted La Russa's SUV stopped partway through an intersection. His car did not move through two cycles of green lights.
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