Goodyear, Arizona, sees the return of two esteemed MLB managers, Terry Francona and Bruce Bochy, who are stepping back into the dugout for different teams after retirement. Their decisions were influenced by their enduring love for baseball and a strong desire to lead new teams to victory.
Francona’s New Chapter with the Reds
The excitement in the Francona household was palpable when Terry’s daughter, Alyssa, received multiple missed calls from him. She was curious about what he might want since he had been enjoying retirement, paving the way for a fulfilling life away from the pressures of baseball. Yet, behind his enticing new hobbies and adventures, the itch to manage never fully left Francona, 65.
Despite initial reluctance, Francona’s passion for the game eventually outweighed his desire for leisure. He has reflected on the extraordinary thrill of the game, especially the adrenaline rush during pivotal moments like the ninth inning.
Bochy’s Determination to Lead Again
Similarly, Bruce Bochy, at 69, faced his own crossroads after a three-year retirement following his 2019 departure from the game. His wife, Kim, anticipated a quiet life together, yet Bochy’s competitive spirit proved hard to contain. When Chris Young, the Texas Rangers’ new GM, reached out, Kim sensed a shift that would alter their plans.
Bochy’s response to the call was clear—his ambition for a fourth World Series title motivated him to return. This drive has since reaped benefits as he guided the Rangers to their first championship win in 2023.
Health Challenges and Renewed Aspirations
Both managers previously struggled with health issues that prompted thoughts of retirement. Francona experienced multi-faceted ailments, reaching a breaking point where he felt he was leaning on his coaching staff too heavily, which hindered his effectiveness.
“Being a manager means prioritizing your players and team over yourself,” Francona remarked, acknowledging that recognizing when to step back is crucial. However, his short-lived retirement entailed quality time spent with family, world travels, and a refreshing hiatus from the sport.
Back to Managing
A phone call from the Cincinnati Reds changed everything for Francona after the team parted ways with David Bell. He recalls the moment as somewhat surreal, catching himself speaking with the organization about a potential return. Within a day, he had accepted the job and was re-engaging with the sport he loves.
As Francona steps into his new role, he contemplates returning to baseball and expresses anticipation for the young roster he’s inheriting. Underperforming last season, the Reds hope to revitalize their campaign with Francona’s leadership.
Coming Together with the Team
Francona recently shared stories reflecting the often-overlooked challenges of managing a team, emphasizing that it’s not always easy, even for seasoned veterans. His previous experience, coupled with newfound excitement, has already started making an impact on his players, who respect his extensive career and managerial strengths.
Jeimer Candelario, an infielder at Reds camp, expressed optimism about Francona. “His leadership is what we need. He’s a Hall of Famer and has done this for such a long time,” he noted of the new manager’s efforts in connecting with players early on.
Passion and Commitment Drive Returns
The common thread among Francona, Bochy, and other returning veterans lies in their enduring love for the game. Bud Black, the Rockies’ manager, resonated with their feelings, stating that the passion for baseball is never fully extinguished. He commends the older generation’s ability to stay competitive despite the shift toward younger managers in the league.
Bob Melvin, the Giants’ manager, expressed similar sentiments, recognizing that the success of veteran managers influences new hiring trends in the industry.
While Francona and Bochy embrace a new season, the reality remains: their commitment to baseball pushes them to return to the field, driven by a shared goal of winning and leading their teams back to glory. Francona aptly summarized his sentiments, humorously noting, “Other than taking a real estate course, this is all I’ve ever done. I’m comfortable here.”
