CLEVELAND (AP) — Indians manager Terry Francona is downplaying an upcoming reunion with the Red Sox.
Francona managed in Boston for eight seasons and he’ll face his former team for the first time since 2011 on Tuesday when the Red Sox open a three-game series at Progressive Field. Francona said he’s trying not to be nostalgic and doesn’t want to create any kind of distraction for his players. However, he’s bound to have some strong emotions going against a team he made special memories with.
Francona will forever be endeared to Boston fans for helping the Red Sox end an 86-year drought between World Series titles. Francona won two championships with the Red Sox, but was not brought back following the ’11 season when the team had an historic collapse down the stretch.
