Exactly a year ago, the Cleveland Guardians were saying goodbye to the best and most successful manager in their history, Terry Francona.
He had decided to take some time away to focus on his health and spend some time with his family, although he never used the word ‘retirement’.
That last detail is important to understand this week’s move.
Late on Thursday, it was reported that Francona is taking over the Cincinnati Reds.
“The Cincinnati Reds are hiring Terry Francona as their manager, sources tell ESPN. He will come out of retirement one year after stepping away from Cleveland and will take over a young, talented Reds team. @Feinsand was first on the news,” ESPN’s Jeff Passan posted on X.
The Cincinnati Reds are hiring Terry Francona as their manager, sources tell ESPN. He will come out of retirement one year after stepping away from Cleveland and will take over a young, talented Reds team. @Feinsand was first on the news.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) October 4, 2024
Francona left his mark in Cleveland from 2013 to 2023.
He had several health-related incidents and decided it was time to step away last year.
His love for the game is too great, though, and he is now opting to return to the dugout after a one-year hiatus.
Since the Guardians are set at manager with the impressive Stephen Vogt, Francona took the Reds offer and will now be in charge of an up-and-coming, talented young roster.
Francona’s biggest win in Cleveland was helping establishing a winning culture in a franchise that was coming off several losing campaigns.
The Reds hope that he can do the same for Cincinnati.
The two-time World Series champion and three-time Manager of the Year will now take on another exciting challenge in his brilliant career: taking Elly De La Cruz, Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, Spencer Steer, Matt McLain and company to the next level.
NEXT: Guardians Catcher Implies Team Star Has Prime Opportunity In Front Of Him
