Cleveland, Ohio—As rivalry weekend unfolds, the Cleveland Guardians gear up for a highly anticipated three-game series against the Cincinnati Reds starting Friday night in Cincinnati. This matchup carries extra significance as the Reds are now managed by Terry Francona, who left his position as the Guardians’ manager at the end of the 2023 season after 11 successful years, making him the winningest manager in the club’s history.
Francona’s departure initially hinted at a leisurely life filled with golf and travel, but he surprised many by accepting the manager role with the Reds following the 2024 season. This transition compounds the excitement for the Ohio Cup, which is awarded annually to the winner of the Guardians-Reds rivalry.
Cleveland baseball fans have reflected on the invaluable lessons they learned from Francona during his time with the team. Key takeaways include the importance of resilience, as encapsulated by Francona’s reassurance during tough times: “We’ll figure it out.” His innovative use of pitching staff led the Guardians to the World Series in 2016 despite injuries to key players.
Another lesson is the joy of the game itself. Francona often reminded players to cherish their youth and the experience of playing baseball. His playful spirit is memorable, as he could often be seen zipping around Progressive Field on his scooter after games, embodying the fun side of baseball amid the pressures of competition.
Francona’s impact is evident in the Guardians’ postseason success, with the team reaching the playoffs six times during his tenure. His humorous tendencies, like ordering ice cream in the wee hours after a late game, further showcased his unique personality and relationship with the team.
As for the current series, Cleveland will feature RHP Tanner Bibee (3-3, 3.80) against Reds RHP Brady Singer (4-2, 4.97) in the series opener set for 5:40 p.m. on Friday. Saturday will see RHP Luis Ortiz (2-4, 4.78) take on RHP Chase Petty (0-2, 21.94). Sunday’s matchup time and pitchers will be decided later, adding a layer of unpredictability to the series.
For fans looking to enjoy the local culture in Cincinnati, a classic breakfast choice is Goetta, a German-inspired sausage and grain dish. Of course, there’s always the option of indulging in the city’s famous Skyline Chili.
In addition, the Guardians recently appointed two-time Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber as a special assistant to their pitching group, where he ranks third in franchise history for strikeouts with 1,461.
The upcoming series not only aims to revive the Guardians’ spirit as they compete against their rivals but also promises to celebrate the legacy Francona left behind—one that prioritizes passion for the game.