Challenges in the Life of Terry Francona in a Detailed Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: August 3, 2025

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Terry Francona. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Terrence "Tito" Francona is a prominent American professional baseball manager, currently managing the Cincinnati Reds. Before this, he successfully managed the Cleveland Indians/Guardians and the Boston Red Sox, leading the latter to two World Series titles, ending their 86-year championship drought. He also managed the Philadelphia Phillies. Prior to his managerial career, Francona was a Major League Baseball player from 1981 to 1990, playing for multiple teams including the Montreal Expos, Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Indians, and Milwaukee Brewers.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1985: Released by the Expos

Terry Francona's batting average slipped to .267. After the 1985 season, the Expos released him.

1997: Finished Lower Than Second Place

In 2006, Terry Francona's team finished lower than second place since 1997

2000: Fired After the 2000 Season

Terry Francona was fired after the 2000 season, ending his Phillies tenure with a 285–363 record.

2002: Pulmonary Embolism

In 2002, Terry Francona suffered a life-threatening pulmonary embolism, contributing to his ongoing health challenges and circulation issues.

2002: Postseason Miss

In 2006, the Red Sox finished third in the AL East at 86–76, missing the postseason for the first time since 2002 under Terry Francona's management.

2005: Hospitalization for Chest Pains

During the 2005 season, Terry Francona was hospitalized after complaining of severe chest pains, revealing significantly clogged arteries. It was concluded that he had not suffered a heart attack.

2005: ALDS Sweep

Terry Francona won his first seven playoff elimination games before being swept by the Chicago White Sox in the 2005 ALDS.

2006: Season Stumble

In 2006, the Red Sox, under Terry Francona, stumbled in the second half of the season due to numerous injuries, finishing third in the AL East and missing the postseason for the first time since 2002.

October 2011: Separation from Jacque Lang

In October 2011, it was revealed that Terry Francona and Jacque Lang had recently separated, and Francona had been living in a hotel room during the baseball season. They were later in the final stages of divorcing.

July 7, 2017: Undergoes Catheter Ablation

On July 7, 2017, Terry Francona underwent a catheter ablation to correct an irregular heartbeat. He had to skip the 2017 MLB All-Star Game.

July 2017: Health Issues

During July 2017, Terry Francona missed several games due to feeling lightheaded and was admitted to the Cleveland Clinic for tests, ultimately undergoing a catheter ablation on July 7, 2017.

2017: Successful Season with Cardiac Ablation

In 2017, Cleveland had another successful season under Francona, who underwent a cardiac ablation. A highlight was a 22-game win streak from August 24 to September 15.

2020: Missed Season Due to Blood Clotting Issue

During the 2020 season, Terry Francona missed most games and all of the postseason due to a blood clotting issue, impacting his managerial duties.

2020: Gastrointestinal Issue

In 2020, Francona dealt with a gastrointestinal issue that limited him to managing only 14 games. Sandy Alomar Jr. served as acting manager, going 28–18.

February 2021: Toe Surgery for Staph Infection

In February 2021, Terry Francona underwent toe surgery for a staph infection as part of his ongoing health challenges.

July 29, 2021: Francona Steps Aside Due to Health Issues

On July 29, 2021, Terry Francona announced that he would step aside from managing the team for the rest of the year due to health issues. DeMarlo Hale took over as interim manager.

October 3, 2023: Francona Steps Down as Manager

On October 3, 2023, Terry Francona announced that he was stepping down as manager, citing health issues. This marked the end of his tenure with the team.