Terry Francona has been hired as the new manager of the Cincinnati Reds, marking his return to the major leagues after stepping down from his position in Cleveland due to health reasons a year ago. The decision was confirmed by a source familiar with the situation on Thursday night, although the Reds had not officially announced the move.
Francona, who will turn 66 in April, is taking over from David Bell, who was relieved of his duties by the Reds after six seasons with a record of 409-456. Francona previously played for Cincinnati in 1987, where he had a batting average of .227 with three home runs and 12 RBIs in 102 games.
With an impressive managerial career spanning 23 years, Francona has accumulated a record of 1,950-1,672 with stints at Philadelphia, the Red Sox, and most recently, the Guardians. Despite facing serious health challenges towards the end of his tenure in Cleveland, Francona refrained from using the term 'retirement,' expressing a desire to remain active in some capacity.
Known for his affable personality, Francona's managerial success was highlighted by his unexpected triumph with the Boston Red Sox, where he led the team to a World Series victory in his first season, breaking an 86-year championship drought. Subsequently, he guided the Guardians to the playoffs seven times during his 11-year tenure, culminating in a World Series appearance in 2016.
Throughout his career, Francona has garnered a reputation as one of baseball's most beloved figures, earning the nickname 'Tito' in honor of his late father. His deep connection to Cleveland, where his father also played, solidified his bond with the organization and the fans.
With Francona's appointment as the new manager of the Cincinnati Reds, fans and players alike are eager to see how his leadership will impact the team as they embark on a new chapter under his guidance.
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