Terry Francona has become well acquainted with the visiting manager’s office at Fenway Park. The former Red Sox skipper was back every year for more than a decade during his 11-year stint leading the Cleveland Guardians, but after stepping down to focus on his health following the 2023 season, Francona admitted he didn’t think he’d ever be back.
“No,” Francona said. “I didn’t intend to.”
As time went on, things started to change. His health improved and he became confident he could handle the rigors of a big league season. Then he was approached by the Cincinnati Reds, and after some productive conversations he shocked the baseball world by coming out of retirement after one year away for his 24th season as a big league manager.
Now Francona is back in Boston again, this time leading a young Reds team that came into Tuesday night 44-41 and 2.5 games out of playoff position.
“I needed to be where I was and I was really comfortable, but then these guys came and it felt right,” Francona said. “I’m glad it worked out, I’m glad I’m here.”
Francona said that at this point enough time has passed where he doesn’t get sentimental about being back in Boston, and he never wants his players to feel his like focus is anywhere else. But he always looks forward to seeing certain familiar faces, among them current Red Sox skipper Alex Cora, who he managed for four seasons between 2005-08.
Cora said Monday he was “very surprised” when he heard this past winter that Francona was coming out of retirement, but when he was assured Francona was healthy he was excited.
“I’m glad that Tito is doing this, I’m glad that he’s healthy, which is the most important thing,” Cora said. “He’s doing an outstanding job.”
Francona didn’t hold back when asked about his relationship with Cora.
“Oh (expletive), I love him,” Francona said. “I think the world of him.”
Even if he’d never managed again, Francona’s legacy in the game has long been secure. The 66-year-old has won two World Series championships with the Red Sox in 2004 and 2007, and he led the Guardians to within one game of a third title in 2016. He’s Cleveland’s all-time wins leader and ranks second for wins in Boston, and within the next few weeks he’ll become the 13th manager in MLB history to reach 2,000 career wins.
Francona says he doesn’t like thinking or talking about that milestone, saying he prefers to keep the focus on his players, but that being able to have the opportunity to manage for 24 seasons has been a blessing.
And as long as his body allows it, he doesn’t plan to stop any time soon.
“I’m going to quit for nothing,” Francona said. “This is all I can do and it’s all I ever wanted to do.”
