On March 16, Chicago White Sox first baseman Adam LaRoche announced that he was “stepping away from baseball” and his 13 million dollar contract.

The reason he gave for leaving baseball was wanting to spend more time with his family and son, but the timing was key: he made the announcement after the White Sox team president requested that he not bring his 14-year old son Drake into the clubhouse on a daily basis.

As a father, I applaud Adam LaRoche’s commitment to his family and his son. When he announced his decision to retire via Twitter he used the hashtag #FamilyFirst. It’s obviously admirable to want to deepen his connection with his son.

As a parent, quality time with our kids is paramount to foster communication and forge bonds. When my daughters were younger, I certainly supported Bring Your Daughter to Work Day and my girls came to my office for short visits to witness their Dad in his environment as a pediatrician. I write a lot about “The Working Moms’ Blues” – about how hard it is for good mothers to balance their jobs with wanting to be their best as a parent – and here’s a clear-cut case of “The Working Dads’ Blues.”

Yet, as an ex NCAA baseball player and someone who has spent time in a major league locker room, I also understand the position of White Sox management.  I know that that particular space is sacrosanct: a place where a ball player can relax, vent, and interact with their teammates. And it is not always a perfect environment for kids, no matter how liked or welcomed a player’s son might be.

Just as every family situation is unique, so is the approach to bringing a child to a workplace setting. Some environments are more appropriate than others.

Again, I don’t question Mr. LaRoche wanting to spend time with his son. Commendable and understandable as he expresses his own individual Parenting Personality. However, the White Sox organization is not to be vilified either for wanting some autonomy and privacy in the locker room….a ball player’s sanctuary.

I have nothing but respect for Mr. LaRoche’s views and his parenting approach. But I also think we should respect the White Sox for doing what they feel is necessary for the common good of other players and the organization.

Like the LaRoche family, the White Sox family has its own unique rules that works for them.

Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune