Perfectly timed with the release of the Cleveland Indians' Harlem Shake video yesterday, I finished reading Terry Francona's book about that other team he managed. After 8 years and 2 World Championships, Francona's Red Sox tenure ended in historically bad fashion during September 2011. But let's start with the good stuff.
I really enjoyed this book and it took me back to a time when our owners seemed great, our manager had control of the team and our GM was a wunderkind. Francona's father was a professional MLB-er and he grew up around the game. He also ended up playing professionally and had a 10 year career. Soon after retiring he got into coaching and quickly moved up the ranks. In 2004, he was hired by the Sox to take over for Grady "I think Pedro can give me one more" Little. You know how that season ended.
Fast forward through some more highs (2007 Champs) and we end on the lowest note possible. I didn't enjoy reading the last three chapters because our team is still in the midst of recovering from that mess. It hit a little too close to home. And anyone who read the book excerpts that were released ahead of time know all the salient quotes from this section. The real reason to dig into this book is to remember the good times; how they built something from nothing. It was an insightful walk down memory lane... I can't wait to go back.
Every once in a while I watch the Faith Rewarded DVD..or find it on YouTube to watch, because it's so much more fun than the last 2 seasons. They were so much more likeable.
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