Cleveland Guardians manager Terry Francona is leading his team for the final three games of his career.
Health issues, not a decline in skill or any other situation, are forcing a perfectly lucid baseball mind to walk off into the sunset.
For Francona, it’s time to go home, enjoy his family, and rest.
He received a standing ovation from his fans on Wednesday in the last game of the season at Progressive Field.
Fans, coaches, staff, and players surrounded him with love and appreciation for everything he has done for Cleveland sports, not just the Guardians.
Tito, as he is called, also had heartfelt things to say about the organization and the city, according to Bally Sports Cleveland.
It was a good day in Cleveland.
Thank you, Tito. ❤️ #ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/yZ9QOnQ5JH
— Bally Sports Cleveland (@BallySportsCLE) September 29, 2023
He said that “anybody who has ever spent 10 minutes with me knows how much I like it here,” and it’s true.
You can tell he really appreciates the city and the project he helped build for the last 11 years.
He called them “11 years of good” and he said he will be rooting for the Guards in the future.
Since he took over the Guardians before the 2013 season, no manager has more wins than his 920.
Those 920 victories are also the most in Guardians history.
He is part of a select group of skippers who have led the organization to the playoffs: Charlie Manuel, Eric Wedge, Tris Speaker, Lou Boudreau, Al López, Mike Hargrove. and Francona.
He made the Guardians one of the American League powerhouses in the mid-to-late 2010s, including an unforgettable World Series appearance in 2016.
He will be missed, but not forgotten.
NEXT: Fans React To Terry Francona's Farewell
