“I texted him right away and said, ‘Are you crazy?'”: Why Terry Francona and Bruce Bochy Ditched Retirement to Manage Again… Read more
In the world of Major League Baseball, few names command the respect and admiration that Terry Francona and Bruce Bochy do. With multiple World Series titles between them, these two legendary managers appeared to have left the dugout for good, opting for the peace and relaxation that comes with retirement after long, successful careers. However, in an unexpected twist, both Francona and Bochy made the decision to return to the game that had defined their lives—much to the surprise of fans, colleagues, and even themselves.
Francona, the long-time manager of the Cleveland Indians (now the Guardians), retired after the 2022 season, citing health concerns and the desire to focus on family. Bochy, similarly, stepped away after a 25-year managerial career that included three championships with the San Francisco Giants, seemingly ready to spend time with his loved ones. Yet, as the 2023 MLB season approached, both found themselves drawn back to the diamond.
For Bochy, the initial spark to return came when the Texas Rangers reached out to him. After several years of reflection, Bochy found himself intrigued by the challenge of leading a team that had the potential to compete at the highest level. A call from Rangers GM Chris Young asking him to reconsider managing was met with skepticism from Bochy’s inner circle, including his close friends. Francona’s own return followed a similar narrative. Despite struggling with physical issues that led him to step away, Francona found himself reevaluating his decision after a year of rest and reflection. The itch to manage again was too strong to ignore.
“I texted him right away and said, ‘Are you crazy?'” Francona said when Bochy reached out to discuss his return to the game. The mutual respect these two share is undeniable, but even Francona couldn’t believe his old friend was coming back. Yet, as both men reentered the fray, they quickly realized that the passion they felt for the game was far from extinguished. For Francona, it was the opportunity to help shape a team in Cleveland with a young core of players, while Bochy saw the chance to lead a Rangers team with a wealth of talent at its disposal.
What makes their returns so compelling isn’t just the nostalgia of seeing two of the most respected managers in the game back in action—it’s their unwavering commitment to winning, teaching, and the game itself. Francona and Bochy represent a generation of managers who understand the delicate balance between leadership, strategy, and the human element that makes baseball so special. Their returns to the dugout aren’t simply a comeback—they’re a testament to the enduring power of passion and the irreplaceable drive that fuels legends of the game.
In the end, it’s not just about the championships or the accolades; for Francona and Bochy, it’s about the love of the game and the desire to make an impact. And as both men continue to manage their respective teams, it’s clear that retirement can wait—because some legends are simply too driven to stay away for long.
