The man who managed the Red Sox to two of their three World Series in Fenway Park’s century-old existence will be there to celebrate the ballpark’s anniversary Friday.
After originally passing, Terry Francona told ESPN.com he has changed his mind and will participate in Friday’s celebration before the Red Sox-Yankees game.
Francona did not return to the Red Sox last season after a monumental September collapse, and he is still bothered by a Boston Globe article in October that portrayed the Red Sox clubhouse as lawless and featured players drinking during the games. It also said the team was concerned that Francona’s use of pain medication affected his ability to manage.
“It’s a shame,” Francona told the Globe last week, before changing course. “I’m sure they’ll have a great event and I was part of a lot of that stuff there, but I just can’t go back there and start hugging people and stuff without feeling a little bit hypocritical.”
Francona will be in the booth on Sunday night for ESPN for its broadcast of the Yankees-Red Sox game.