Reactions: Terry Francona, former Cleveland and Boston manager, to replace David Bell
The Cincinnati Reds are hiring Terry "Tito" Francona to be their new manager.
The Reds fired David Bell last month, with one week left in the regular season.
Francona, who turned 65 in April, took the year off after managing Cleveland from 2013 to 2023. He also managed the Boston Red Sox from 2004 to 2011, and the Philadelphia Phillies from 1997 to 2000.
Francona played for the Reds for one season, in 1987. He also played for Montreal, the Chicago Cubs, Cleveland and the Milwaukee Brewers.
He went golfing in Arizona in March with longtime Reds radio play-by-play broadcaster Marty Brennaman.
Social media reactions to the Reds' reported addition of Francona, a two-time World Series champion and three-time American League Manager of the Year:
Terry Francona was the most established manager on the free agent market.
Him taking the job is someone from outside of the organization buying into the trajectory of the team.
A huge win for the Reds. https://t.co/xLTrkW4te0— Charlie Goldsmith (@CharlieG__) October 4, 2024
The Reds’ best run since 1995 was from 2010-2013.
It started in 2008 when Dusty Baker took over a Reds team with a young Votto, Phillips and Bruce.
It feels eerily similar as this Reds team hires Terry Francona.— Charlie Goldsmith (@CharlieG__) October 4, 2024
Three-year deal for Francona. https://t.co/gE8Tjt5Pmf
— Gordon Wittenmyer (@GDubMLB) October 4, 2024
Calling @AtlantaFalcons @Buccaneers on @NFLonPrime but HELL YESSSSS welcome aboard Terry Francona!!!!!
Now we go!@Reds— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) October 4, 2024
Before the season ended, Jonathan India was asked what he wanted to see from the next Reds manager.
His answer echoed what a lot of the clubhouse was saying.
“We need someone that’s going to be more aggressive and keep us accountable. We should be better in this clubhouse…— Charlie Goldsmith (@CharlieG__) October 4, 2024
Terry Francona’s end in Cleveland felt like it was the fitting time for it to happen. They will build a statue for him in Cleveland. Reds need a guy who can come in and establish a winning culture and good clubhouse climate. Tito’s going to do that. Terrific hire by Cincinnati.
— John Fanta (@John_Fanta) October 4, 2024
Whoa. He's the best manager in baseball IMO.
Tremendous hire. Kudos @Reds https://t.co/NZckQq0Zhb— Dan Hoard (@Dan_Hoard) October 4, 2024
Surprised to see Terry Francona returning as retirement seemed to suit him better than was expected.
But he has regained his health and takes over a Reds team that has building blocks in Hunter Greene and Elly De La Cruz.— Pete Abraham (@PeteAbe) October 4, 2024
Tito! Back in a @Reds uniform. NICE.
— Chris Welsh (@thinkpitch) October 4, 2024
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This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Terry Francona reactions: Reds' new manager won in Cleveland, Boston