Terry Francona Discusses His Decision To Step Away

(Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

Even though Cleveland Guardians manager Terry Francona hadn’t officially retired, he got a proper sendoff on Wednesday in front of his fans at Progressive Field, and got to lead his team for one last series in Detroit over the weekend.

The “Thank you, Tito” shirts also revealed his plans: he was set to retire to attend to his health and rest.

At long last, the Guardians have announced what we all knew: Francona is stepping away from the game after playing in MLB from 1981 to 1990 and serving as a coach or manager at various levels almost immediately after that.

Terry Francona officially steps away from his role as manager.#ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/VTIMns0klk

— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) October 3, 2023

He had some heartfelt words for fans as he left via the team: “I came here for the right reasons, and I think I’m leaving for the right reasons, but in between has been really good.”

The “in between” included six postseason appearances since he took over in 2013, four AL Central Division titles, and one pennant in 2016.

Since he started managing the Guardians in 2013, the team won 921 games: that’s the most in MLB since that season.

Those 921 victories are also the most among Guardians managers in history.

Francona is leaving a huge void in the city of Cleveland and, of course, in the Guardians’ plans.

Moving on without him will be tough.

Before he took over, the team was coming off four straight losing seasons from 2009 to 2012.

In his first season as the skipper in 2013, they went 92-70 and made the Wild Card Game.

He was a winner, but above all things, his players loved him.

That should tell you the kind of human being he is.

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