Here's why Terry Francona is spending the start of baseball season following the Arizona Wildcats in March Madness
Terry Francona, the former manager of the Cleveland Guardians and two other historic MLB franchises, is a known baseball savant to many people. However, Francona is a major hoops head, and it’s why you’ll likely find him in the stands during the Arizona Wildcats’ NCAA tournament run.
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Francona lives just 10 minutes away from McKale Memorial Center in Tuscon and has attended every Arizona Wildcats home game but one this season as he eases into retirement. He’s what most consider a superfan and is a member of the athletic department’s Hall of Fame. And it’s clear to see he’s enjoying it all.
Look at what he told Zach Buchanan of Defector about getting enjoying a title run from the outside:
“Winning the World Series is incredible, but it’s also your job. About 10 minutes later, I’m like, ‘What’s next?’ Francona says. “If we win here, I’ll go to a parade on my own.”
“I’m a fan, man,” he says. “It’s different, and it’s OK. [Expletive], I love watching them play.”
You’re likely to see Francona sitting close to the court during the NCAA tournament whenever the Wildcats are playing. He doesn’t let anything stop him from seeing his team, including a mountain of health issues like hip and circulation problems that have lasted for decades. He’ll likely be there when they take on Long Beach State on Thursday during the first round of the NCAA tournament and wherever the team goes next.
Terry Francona’s next act: Arizona hoops superfan https://t.co/RXXa44r19z
— Defector (@DefectorMedia) March 16, 2024
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