American League Manager of the Year Terry Francona has been through a lot over his managerial career.
The 63-year-old has won the award three times during his tenure with the Cleveland Guardians, but has dealt with more than his fair share of struggles.
Francona was forced to step away towards the end of the 2021 season due to lingering health issues.
Fortunately, Francona had recovered in time for the 2022 season and guided the Guardians to a division title in their first year under the new name.
Recently, the three-time Manager of the Year and two-time World Series champion caught up with sports insider Chris Rose and expressed how thankful he was for the Guardians organization’s support over the years.
Tito Thanks Guardians Organization
Francona has certainly dealt with more than his fair share of obstacles during his managerial career.
The 63-year-old took over managerial duties in 2013 and has guided the Guardians to the postseason six times, including a World Series appearance in 2016.
Francona certainly has a ton of winning experience.
But the support of the Guardians organization is something that drives him, even in the face of adversity and constant health struggles.
Francona even went on to say that if he wasn’t managing in Cleveland, perhaps he would have walked away at the onset of his health issues.
The future Hall-of-Fame manager was fortunate enough to bounce back and guide the Guardians to the postseason for the sixth time in the last decade, which ultimately culminated in him taking home Manager of the Year honors.
More must-reads: