BOSTON — Terry Francona has nothing left to prove on his baseball resume. He guided the Boston Red Sox to a pair of championships and had 11 more impactful seasons with the Cleveland Guardians.
But sometimes, that love of the game just comes back around again.
That’s exactly what Francona felt after the Cincinnati Reds fascinated him with a presentation that evetually led to the franchise hiring him as their next manager.
So, what brought Tito back to baseball?
“That’s a good question because I had a really good year,” Francona told reporters before “The Tradition” Wednesday night at TD Garden. “I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do this coming year. I really wasn’t thinking about managing. Then when they called, they flew out to my house and did the interview. They were on my couch, and I was in my rocking chair. Kind of blew me away that they’d be willing to do that. I caught myself early on saying ‘we’ a few times.'”
Francona clearly loved the 11 seasons he spent in Cleveland. There was no bad blood upon his departure between him and the franchise, who ultimately hired 2024 American League Manager of the Year Stephen Vogt.
“I think they made a really good decision and they’re in great shape,” Francona added.
Not just because they’re another Ohio team, but the former Red Sox manager felt a sense of Cleveland familiarity when Cincinnati approached him with an offer to be back where he belongs in a major league dugout.
“When the guys came out, it reminded me a lot of the Cleveland guys,” Francona shared. “You’re going to get challenged a boatload, even during great years. When you were align yourself with people you trust and know have your back, that’s a good feeling. That’s kind of where I’m at in life. It makes it a lot better.”
The Reds finished in fourth place in the National League Central in 2024. There’s some foundational pieces on the team, such as superstar Elly De La Cruz, and the division should be open for competition next season just in time for Francona to take the helm.
“I’m glad I had last year, I needed it,” Francona admitted. “To be a successful manager, there’s gotta be a certain energy. You put everybody ahead of yourself. That’s what you’re supposed to do and it kinds of takes a toll on you. It was getting to that point. I think now I’m situated and I can go back and do it the way you’re supposed to, which to me is really enjoyable. If I can’t do it like that, I don’t enjoy it.”
“The Tradition” airs Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 6 p.m. ET on NESN.
