© Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Guardians Begin Final Home Series Showing Appreciation To Terry Francona
The Cleveland Guardians will start the final home series on Tuesday evening at 6:10 as they take on the Cincinnati Reds. There are a number of storylines heading into this matchup including the Ohio Cup and the Reds' playoff chances on the line, but none will be as important as baseball saying goodbye to a legend.
Terry Francona has yet to utter the words "I'm retiring," but he's gotten as close to saying it without actually saying it as you can. He's made comments such as "I'm at peace," and "it's time" without actually admitting he's talking about retirement.
The writing is on the wall that this will be Francona's final home series at Progressive Field after being Cleveland's manager for 11 seasons. The ballpark will pass out "Thank You Tito" shirts and play him a tribute video before Wednesday's game.
Tito has shown so much appreciation and love for his players no matter what his roster has looked like which says a lot about who he is. He sat down with the team on Tuesday and addressed the "worst kept secret in baseball." It's only right that the team sends him out with a couple more wins as they wrap up their season at home.
They'll have multiple good opportunities to do this too.
Cleveland will have two veteran pitchers in Lucas Giolito and Shane Bieber on the mound for the next two starts. They know how to answer in the big moment and have done it in the past.
Jun 23, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians manager Terry Francona walks on to the field to challenge a call during the third inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
© Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
The offense is what really needs to step it up for the farewell of their skipper. It's been well-documented how many struggles this team has had in the batter's box this season.
Cleveland may be eliminated from postseason contention but they should and will make it feel like it's the World Series to send Francona off on a high note.
