Lou Piniella announced his retirement earlier today, effective not so immediately. The Cubs’ manager will give up the helm of a team for a final team at the end of this season, putting an end to a 23-year career that saw him captain five teams, winning one World Series and three Manager of the Year Awards. Piniella will join the likes of Atlanta’s Bobby Cox and Toronto’s Cito Gaston as members of a wiser generation to be calling it quits in 2010.

Over his managerial career, Piniella has led his teams to 1,827 wins. Only 13 other managers in MLB history have more wins to their names. He was manager of the Mariners for 10 seasons from 1993-2002; including their 116-46 season in 2001. He finished with a winning record overall in each city he managed except for the three seasons he spent in Tampa Bay. He has said he would consider a consulting job after he’s done in the dugout.

The man known affectionately as Sweet Lou and not affectionately as Mount Piniella is truly one of the faces of baseball. His frequent managerial outbursts (and subsequent ejections) are highlights among highlight reels. His “top 10 eruptions” are running on virtually every sports network right now, and whether you love or hate to see him kicking his hat around or throwing first base into the outfield, you have to admit that the man had a passion for his job like no other manager.

Mount Piniella is going dormant for the final time. He will turn 67 next month and has said he would like to spend time with his family. But don’t write him off as a lame-duck manager now that we know he’s on his way out. Anybody that has seen Piniella in action knows he’ll be just as competitive and just as passionate right through to the end. If only the Cubs could match that kind of intensity to win a World Series for him.