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WATCH: Guardians Honor Terry Francona With Tribute Video
Terry Francona has yet to admit he's stepping away from baseball and retiring as the Cleveland Guardians' manager, but he has joked about it being "the worst-kept secret in baseball." There's no way that Progressive Field, the organization, and the fans would let Tito retire showing him appreciation for the 11 seasons he's spent with the city.
If Wednesday is Francona's final home game as the Guardians' manager (and it certainly seems like it will be) then it'll be one that he never forgets. Fans were given "Thank You Tito" shirts to wear and played this tribute video before Wednesday's game:
This is absolutely perfect!
There's no better way to recap Francona's time with Cleveland than starting at the beginning with his dad and telling the story through his playing career leading into his time as a manager. Also, focusing on the stats and awards is great but highlighting the impact he's made on countless people throughout the sport is just as important.
Fans at the game must've agreed because they gave Tito two curtain calls before they stopped cheering.
Sep 18, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Cleveland Guardians manager Terry Francona (77) comes to the mound for a pitching change against the Kansas City Royals in the eighth inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
© Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
It will be weird seeing a different manager standing at the top step and at the helm of the Guardians next season. In some ways, it doesn't feel like anyone else but Tito should be the manager.
Guardians and baseball fans alike will be saying goodbye to a legend when the season officially comes to an end on Sunday. There isn't a doubt that Francona will one day find himself in Cooperstown as a Hall of Famer.
