Terry Francona left a huge mark on Cleveland Guardians history.
After taking over in 2013 and retiring in 2023, he left as the franchise leader in wins and, in 2016, was actually this close to winning the first World Series in franchise history since 1948.
The relationships he built with the fans, his players, his coaches, and even his bosses were legendary, and as a result, he is a beloved Guardian for life.
But he decided to move on, rest, and enjoy his life and the Guardians needed to find a replacement.
A few weeks ago, they named Stephen Vogt their manager.
Francona made himself available to Vogt whenever he needed anything, and that’s what makes him great.
He cares about the city of Cleveland, he cares about the franchise and, above all things, he cares about the fans.
“‘Just know I’m a phone call away any time. I want to see you succeed and I want Cleveland to win.’ New @CleGuardians manager Stephen Vogt on his conversations with Terry Francona,” MLB Network Radio tweeted.
"Just know I'm a phone call away any time. I want to see you succeed and I want Cleveland to win."
New @CleGuardians manager Stephen Vogt on his conversations with Terry Francona:#Guardians | #ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/VUj78qOoL1
— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) December 6, 2023
That’s class, in case you were wondering.
Francona is a classy man, and all he wants is to watch the Guardians succeed.
Vogt now knows Francona is there, available to help, whenever he feels the need for some wise words or advice.
Vogt will likely need them because he is a rookie manager.
He is, however, well versed in analytics, a good communicator, and highly respected around baseball.
The tools are there for him to be a successful skipper.
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