Childhood and Education Journey of Terry Francona in Timeline

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

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Terry Francona. A timeline of key moments.

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

1932: Birth of Roberta Jackson

In 1932, Roberta Jackson, Terry Francona's mother, was born.

1933: Birth of Tito Francona (Senior)

In 1933, Tito Francona (Senior), Terry's father, was born. He later played in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1956 to 1970.

April 22, 1959: Terrence Jon Francona Born

On April 22, 1959, Terrence Jon Francona, also known as "Tito", was born. He is now an American professional baseball manager for the Cincinnati Reds.

April 22, 1959: Francona Born in Aberdeen, South Dakota

On April 22, 1959, Terry Francona was born in Aberdeen, South Dakota, to Tito Francona and Roberta Jackson.

1979: Pan American Games

In 1979, Terry Francona represented the United States at the Pan American Games as a baseball player.

1980: College World Series & Golden Spikes Award

In 1980, Terry Francona's Arizona Wildcats won the College World Series, and he was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player. Francona also won the 1980 Golden Spikes Award.

January 9, 1982: Francona Marries Jacque Lang

On January 9, 1982, Terry Francona married Jacque Lang, marking a significant personal event in his life.

1993: Phillies Won NL Pennant

In 1993, prior to Terry Francona becoming the manager, the Phillies had won the NL pennant.

2002: Pulmonary Embolism

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

2003: Nick Drafted by Red Sox

In 2003, Terry Francona's son, Nick, was drafted by the Boston Red Sox, following in his father's footsteps in baseball.

2003: Red Sox Lost Championship Series

In 2003, the Red Sox lost the American League Championship Series, leading to the hiring of Terry Francona as manager in 2004.

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.

2009: Alyssa and Leah Play Softball

In 2009, Terry Francona's daughters, Alyssa and Leah, played on the University of North Carolina softball team, with Alyssa as a senior and Leah as a freshman.

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.

2016: Jamie Graduates from Naval Academy

In 2016, Terry Francona's daughter, Jamie, graduated from the United States Naval Academy, marking a significant achievement.

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 8, 2017: Released from Hospital

On July 8, 2017, Terry Francona was released from the hospital after undergoing a catheter ablation. He was expected to rest until July 14, 2017.

July 14, 2017: Expected Return to the Indians

On July 14, 2017, Terry Francona was expected to return to the Indians after recovering from a catheter ablation.

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.

2018: Death of Father, Tito

In 2018, Terry Francona's father, Tito, passed away, marking a significant personal loss.

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.