Terry Francona Debuts as Reds Manager on Anticipated Opening Day

CINCINNATI — Terry Francona makes his debut as manager of the Cincinnati Reds today during the team’s Opening Day matchup against the San Francisco Giants at Great American Ball Park.

Francona, known for winning two World Series with the Boston Red Sox and accumulating nearly 2,000 wins, expressed his excitement about returning to manage a team he once played for. Following a year off after serving as the Cleveland Guardians’ manager for 11 seasons, he is poised to reinvigorate a franchise that has not seen a playoff series victory since 1995.

“It felt right to come back,” Francona said. “I compared this experience to when I first joined Cleveland years ago. I’m working with people I respect and enjoy.”

The Reds’ youthful roster, highlighted by players like Elly De La Cruz and Matt McLain, has Francona optimistic about the upcoming season. McLain praised Francona’s ability to uplift and connect with players. “Just the standard that he brings, the energy that he brings every day. Everyone feels his energy, and it’s really positive,” McLain said.

Francona’s personal history with Opening Day is rich, recalling his debut as a player with the Reds in 1987, where he hit a home run. “It’s a good baseball town, and I don’t know if people realize that,” he reminisced. The Reds have set their sights on renewal and hope to awaken the enthusiasm of their fanbase.

“As exciting as Opening Day is, what really excites me is once you get into the grind of it, then you can see how good you are,” Francona added.

Reds outfielder TJ Friedl reflected on the team’s anticipation surrounding Opening Day. “It’s all part of it, but it’s something that I love to embrace,” he said. “It’s another year of blessings to be at Opening Day. Not a lot of guys get to do that.”

As the Reds prepare for their game against the Giants, the atmosphere is electric. Various events celebrating baseball culture, including a parade, underscore the importance of this day to the Cincinnati community. The Reds remain hopeful for a successful season, particularly with a manager of Francona’s caliber at the helm.

Francona addressed the pressures of Opening Day, cautioning that perceptions can easily swing with outcomes. “ Opening Day is the biggest overreaction day of the year. If we win, we’re going to the World Series. If we lose, we’re going to stink,” he said.

This year marks a significant chapter, with expectations for improved performance. Despite the Reds’ long postseason drought, players, including McLain, are excited to silence naysayers and compete. “We want to win,” he said. “With Tito, we made offseason moves. We know where we are as a team. We know where we want to go.”

Francona reiterated the approach needed to navigate through the season’s highs and lows. “If you’re true to your personalities, that’s what is important,” he mentioned. “It’s about playing the game right, adjusting together.”

The Reds have a challenging road ahead, taking on the Giants, who finished at .500 last season, aiming for their first Opening Day victory against them since 1999.