After eight years together, it appears the Red Sox and manager Terry Francona are parting ways. After a 744-552 record and two World Series titles, it was a great run for Francona and the Sox.
Tito Introduced
On December 4, 2003, the Boston Red Sox introduced Terry Francona as the 44th manager in team history. (Photo by Jessica Rinaldi/Getty Images)
First Season
The Red Sox posted a 98-64 record in Francona’s first season on the bench, good enough for the AL Wild Card.
What A Comeback!
Facing a 3-0 series deficit, the Red Sox mounted a comeback for the ages against the New York Yankees, winning four straight to advance to the World Series.
World Champs
In his first season as manager, Francona and the Red Sox won the World Series, sweeping the St. Louis Cardinals.
2005
After the first world championship in 86 years, the Red Sox posted a 95-67 record in 2005. But in the playoffs they were swept in the ALDS by the eventual world champion Chicago White Sox.
No Playoffs In 2006
In a year filled with injuries and Manny Ramirez drama, the Red Sox went 86-77 and missed the playoffs for the first time under Francona.
Getting His Point Across
While mostly seen as a mild-mannered manager, Francona was not afraid to get his point across with umpires. Tito was ejected 25 times while with Boston.
Division Champs In 2007
In 2007, the Red Sox returned to the postseason after posting a 96-66 record and winning the American League East.
Another Title In 07
Francona won his second World Series championship in Boston after the Red Sox swept the Angels, beat the Indians in seven games in the ALCS, and swept the Rockies in the fall classic.
Sox Fall Short In 2008
The 2008 Boston Red Sox finished 95-67 and went to the postseason as the AL Wild Card team. After defeating the Angels in four games, Boston lost to the AL East Champion Tampa Bay Rays in seven games.
Swept In 2009
The Red Sox went 95-67 for the second straight season, but were swept out of the playoffs in the ALDS by the Angels.
Injury-Plagued 2010
In a season filled with injuries to star players, the Red Sox still managed to go 89-73 but missed the playoffs. The Sox stayed in contention until late September, and many call the season Francona’s best as a manager.
Nightmare Season
With an All-Star roster, the Red Sox started the season off just 2-10. But they turned things around and became the best team in baseball for the middle months of the season, until September rolled around. A 7-19 final month led to the biggest collapse in MLB history, as the Red Sox blew a 9-game lead over the Rays for the Wild Card.
