The longstanding Guardian manager, Terry Francona, bid farewell to baseball in his final home game in Cleveland. Marked by a heartfelt tribute, his team and thousands of fans cheered on and thanked Tito for his service. While Francona may not have been entirely comfortable with the attention, the gesture emphasized his impact on the franchise.
Cleveland fans show love to Terry Francona before his final game as a manager 🥺
(h/t @TalkinBaseball_)pic.twitter.com/MmVcMZvaAZ
— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) September 27, 2023
Francona’s managerial journey began with the Philadelphia Phillies, where he endured four losing seasons. However, he found immense success with the Boston Red Sox, where he played a pivotal role in ending the team’s 86-year World Series drought in 2004 and clinching another championship in 2007. His tenure with the Red Sox concluded after the 2011 season.
Upon joining the Cleveland organization, Francona guided the team to an American League Pennant in 2016 and came tantalizingly close to winning the World Series against the Chicago Cubs. The iconic Game 7 in 2016, a one-run loss in extra innings, remains etched in memory.
Terry Francona could've managed just about anywhere back in 2012. He chose Cleveland. He added a credibility and winning culture the team desperately needed. He'll end his time here as our winningest and arguably best ever manager in franchise history.
Thank you, Tito! pic.twitter.com/u8Qkz8uvWh
— Thank You Tito! (@OurCLEGuardians) September 27, 2023
Although Francona has not officially announced his retirement, it is widely anticipated that he will do so early next week.
Reflecting on Francona’s impending departure, Reds manager David Bell, who has known him for decades, remarked, “For me, just to be here on his last home game means a lot. The thing I know about Tito is that everyone who has ever worked with him loves him. I’m sure this is emotional.”
One last home game at Progressive Field for Terry Francona. pic.twitter.com/LqOKGNCx5G
— Mandy Bell (@MandyBell02) September 27, 2023
Francona initially resisted the idea of a special ceremony for his final home game but eventually acquiesced to the team’s distribution of 20,000 red “Thank You Tito” T-shirts.
“The most frustrating part is I can’t wear the T-shirt because it’s me,” Francona laughed beforehand. “I mean, it’s a nice T-shirt. I love it when we get free stuff, but I can’t wear it.”
Terry Francona gets a standing ovation in his final home game as a manager 🥹 pic.twitter.com/JJZWWwvyPK
— Baseball Quotes (@BaseballQuotes1) September 27, 2023
With a touching video tribute, the team paid homage to Francona’s relationship with the franchise. Francona’s managerial journey with the team was also chronicled.
After the tribute concluded, Francona emerged from the dugout, acknowledging the cheering fans with a tip of his cap. He briefly retreated before returning for a curtain call.
Francona confessed to feeling a mix of emotions as he bid adieu to Cleveland. “Probably more uncomfortable than anything,” he admitted. “I know it’s a nice gesture, not dismissing that part of it. My joy is what I do every day and who I do it with.”
In celebration of Terry Francona's 11 seasons as Cleveland's manager.
Thank you, Tito. ❤️ #ForTheLand | @CleGuardians pic.twitter.com/wtTT2ahB4F
— Bally Sports Cleveland (@BallySportsCLE) September 27, 2023
Ranking 13th on the career wins list, with 1948 victories, Francona has battled serious health issues in recent years. He is ready to move on from the sport to look after his well-being.
“It got harder,” Francona acknowledged, having come to terms with his future in July. “That’s why I’m going to shut it down… I’m going to go get my body patched up again for about the 80th time, and I’m going to try to get healthy, and I’m in no rush.”
