The Cleveland Guardians confirmed on Tuesday what everyone already knew; manager Terry Francona is leaving the organization.
Francona previously said on several occasions that the 2023 MLB season will be his last as the Guardian’s manager. The 64-year-old manager leaves Cleveland after 11 seasons with the franchise.
Francona previously dealt with a serious medical issue and made the decision in order to spend time with his family and focus on getting healthy. He told reporters that he doesn’t believe he will ever manage again.
“I need to go home and get healthy and see what I miss about the game,” Francona said. “I don’t foresee managing again.”
Even if he doesn’t manage a single game in the future, Terry Francona has already built an impressive legacy. He has a managerial record of 1,950–1,672, two World Series, and three AL Manager of the Year awards.
Francona arrived as Guardians managed in 2013 and has since led the team to four AL Central division titles and six postseason trips. Cleveland reached the World series in 2016 but failed to win a single playoff series since.
“I came here for the right reasons,” Francona added. “I’m leaving for the right reasons, and what was in between was really good.”
