Terry Francona's comments immediately brought to mind the image of Bill Russell and his aversion to Boston when they invited him back to retire his number. In all my years of watching the Sox, during the Francona era, I always found it curious that Francona lacked that obnoxiousness that has always characterized Boston spirit. For me, he was the exception to the rule. To see now that he, rightfully, has become another one of the erstwhile Boston aristocracy is not surprising. I am sure that he is now on the Yankees short list of future managers.

What a sad situation. Lucchino is probably the one responsible for the Hohler story and now he gets all sanctimonious - what a tool. Terry Francona always seemed like a really good guy and I wish him all the luck in the world.

Always a class act. I miss him here.

I always liked Terry, and he did a great job for the Red Sox. It's too bad he can't see beyond his own personal hurt and take part in a celebration with all the people he managed here. Evidently they mean less to him than we thought. I hope now that he's in TV, it's not going to be about him.

Huh?

Terry this fan wants to tell you I understand how you feel. You are definately deserving of a honest explanation to all of your questions. It is often the case that lies can not be explained away. You will always find these gutless wonders wherever you go. Know this, and it will make you stronger. It will also make you less trusting. Best of luck to you Terry!

I can't blame him one bit!

I couldnt have said it better Rita. The whole organization reeks of arrogance,especially Lucchino. Good luck to you Tito,you deserved better.

what are you talking about? him not coming back has nothing to do with them meaning "less to him". he was betrayed by someone in the organization (i'm sure it was lucchino) and he wants answers before he comes back and starts hugging everyone like it's no big deal.

The only person in that org. that has a backbone Well done Terry

They went out of their way to smear his reputation after he left the org, and now they want him to come back for a party.... Terry deserves better.

Who can blame him?! The front office utilizes character asassination each time they make a decision they feel will be unpopular with the fans. I wish you well Tito! Thanks for all you did in managing the Sox to 2 World Championships!

Hey Terry - why don't you join the boys for a couple of beers in the locker room?

I would like to see him show up, unannounced. Hop over the railing behind third base. The crowd, confused, goes quiet. Suddenly, they're all on their feet cheering wildly. Henry & Lucchino slink away.

Good for you Terry! Who needs them anyway. Let's see who they throw under the bus when the sell out string breaks. Groundskeepers...watch out!

Not saying that Dolan would have won a couple of World Series if he had been allowed to purchase the team, but he surely would have been supremely more professional than the group of clowns who took over. The Commissioner got what he deserved when he installed this gang, but the fans in Boston will pay the price (literally).

Dan - good interview! You were not a part of the story in any way. Writers forget that once in a while. Nice work! It says Lordchaucer but I'm an old Golden Star fan from way back! Cheers!

nice interview. here is the essence of tony francona and why he, the only manager in our life time, gave us world champions. he still stays true to himself and can hold his head up while the red sox brass keep on tarnishing themselves by trying to sugar coat everything they do. one bad month and they fire him, all those years of producing the team that made john henry so much money, and that's what he gets. now look what we've got, a team losing their shirt, a manager who seems unfit for the job, an owner who is being distracted by a gold digging wife. time to sell john henry.

I was exceedingly disappointed in management when Terry was so unceremoniously swept aside, but the story about his medications seemed so irrelevant to me, as if people don't take pain killers all the time--for pain no less! Clearly the story was intended by someone to cast doubts on Terry, but that's like casting doubts on all of us for using Aspirin! So, Terry's outrage and pain is doubly understandable: the evil innuendo of a story designed to suggest that evil underlies the totally innocent, and private, facts of his healthcare!

You go, Tito. Thanks for everything!!!!!

2, count them, 2 World Series! Manager Terry, "Tito," Francona deserved better upon his leaving the Boston Red Sox. I'll never forget the moment and the feeling when they finally won the 2004 World Series after 86 years. I was, at 61 years old, a kid again. Thanks, Terry! Good health and good fortune in your future.

I hope the fans who are at Fenway today start a "TITO!" chant. What this ownership did to him was/is unforgivable, in my opinion.