Sox and Terry Francona Release Statements Over Parting of the Ways

Ken Bell

STATEMENTS FROM
THE BOSTON RED SOX

 

BOSTON—The Boston Red
Sox today issued the following statements:

 

 

STATEMENT FROM
JOHN HENRY, TOM WERNER AND LARRY LUCCHINO ON BEHALF OF THE BOSTON RED
SOX:

 

“We met with
Terry Francona, Theo Epstein and Ben Cherington Friday morning to discuss the
2011 season, ways to improve the club in the future, and Tito's status.  During
the meeting, Tito, Theo and Ben agreed that the Red Sox would benefit from an
improved clubhouse culture and higher standards in several areas.  Tito said
that after eight years here he was frustrated by his difficulty making an impact
with the players, that a different voice was needed, and that it was time for
him to move on.  After taking time to reflect on Tito's sentiments, we agreed
that it was best for the Red Sox not to exercise the option years on his
contract.

 

We have enormous
respect, admiration and appreciation for Tito and the job that he did for eight
years, including two World Series Championship seasons and five playoff
appearances.  His poise during the 2004 post-season was a key factor in the
greatest comeback in baseball history, and his place in Red Sox history will
never be forgotten.  We wish him only the best going
forward.”

 

 

STATEMENT FROM
THEO EPSTEIN:

 

“Tito and I
didn't know each other when he was hired eight years ago, but over time we
developed not only a great working relationship but also a personal friendship
that will always be important to both of us.  He proved to be an unflappable
leader for our major league club, displaying consistency, calmness, hard work,
thoughtfulness, a sense of humor, and faith in the players even at the most
difficult of times.  Without Tito's commitment over eight years, we would not be
the organization we are today.  Nobody at the Red Sox blames Tito for what
happened at the end of this season; we own that as an organization.  This year
was certainly a difficult and draining one for him and for us.  Ultimately, he
decided that there were certain things that needed to be done that he couldn't
do after eight years here, and that this team would benefit from hearing a new
voice.  While this may be true, his next team will benefit more than it knows
from hearing Tito's voice.  I will miss seeing Tito every day in the manager's
office, and I wish him and his family nothing but the best in their next
chapter.”

 

 

STATEMENT FROM
TERRY FRANCONA:

 

“We met this
morning to look back on the 2011 season and to consider the future of the Boston
Red Sox, including my involvement with the club.  I passed along my frustrations
at my inability to effectively reach the players.  After many conversations and
much consideration, I ultimately felt that, out of respect to this team, it was
time for me to move on.  I've always maintained that it is not only the right,
but the obligation, of ownership to have the right person doing this job.  I
told them that out of my enormous respect for this organization and the people
in it, they may need to find a different voice to lead the
team.

 

In my eight
seasons as manager of the Boston Red Sox, I have developed a tremendous
appreciation for Red Sox Nation.  This is a special place with some of the most
knowledgeable and passionate fans in all of baseball.  They packed Fenway Park
for every game and because of them, I had a special sense of pride coming to
work every day.  I want to thank John, Tom, Larry and Theo for giving me the
opportunity to manage this team through some of the most successful years in
this franchise's history.  I wish the entire organization and all of Red Sox
Nation nothing but the very best.”

 

 

NOTE TO MEDIA: 
Details regarding media availability this evening will be
announced.

 

—RED
SOX—

 

 

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