After a string of health issues over the past few years, Terry Francona is feeling great entering his 11th season with the Cleveland Guardians.
Francona, who spoke at spring training in Arizona on Sunday, resigned from the team in 2021 after hip and toe surgeries. That came a year after gastrointestinal and blood clotting problems. However, the 63-year-old isn’t ready to step down anytime soon.
“Everyone’s like, ‘Do you have a perspective?’” Francona said via ESPN. “I hate when we lose. I really enjoy when we win. But I love doing what we do, but I’ve always done it. I’ve always enjoyed it.
“If I wasn’t in baseball, I would just wish I was in baseball.”
Terry Francona signed a new deal with the Guardians after guiding them to an AL Central title last year. (AP/Ron Schwane)
Francona led the Guardians to a 92-70 record and an AL Central title last season despite losing seven ALDS games to the New York Yankees. The three-time manager of the year has also led Cleveland to six postseason finishes and one World Series appearance since taking office in 2013. He also agreed to a new contract with the Guardians last offseason and is now the most successful manager in franchise history.
Francona no longer hobbles as much after his surgeries, one of which was a hip replacement, and he has a metal bar in his foot. But apparently back to full strength and after being reunited with his iconic scooter last month, Francona looks happy going into the season this spring.
“I think just being in the clubhouse, first of all, that builds confidence,” outfielder Steven Kwan said of Francona via ESPN. “I mean, you just feel a little lighter when he walks around, you know the big dog is at the top, at the helm.”
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