WALNUT CREEK, CA — Longtime Bay Area residents Elaine, Bianca, Devon and Tony La Russa are launching a new nonprofit organization, La Russa Rescue Champions, dedicated to companion animal welfare.

Just before Spring Training, as the Padres neared a deal with lefty slugger Gavin Sheets, manager Mike Shildt made a phone call to a mutual connection: Tony La Russa. Sheets had played for La Russa wi ...