Griff's Conversation with Terry Francona

20/01/2025 46 min
Griff's Conversation with Terry Francona

Listen "Griff's Conversation with Terry Francona"

Episode Synopsis

Having recently joined the Reds as manager, Terry Francona is eventually headed to the Hall-of-Fame, but for now has accepted the challenge in Cincinnati and their talented young stars. Tito joins Griff's Conversation and reflects on his years as a player with the Expos, as teammates with Pete Rose, managing Michael Jordan, being a son of a major-leaguer, friendships in baseball, managing the Rex Sox, breaking the Curse of the Bambino and far more.  INDEX: 0:00 - Intro  0:39 - Good health and a comeback with the Reds 2:03 - Relating to a young Reds clubhouse 3:26 - Elly de la Cruz 4:40 - Walking into his first Expos clubhouse in 1981 7:31 - Making The Show after the '81 strike 10:14 -Talking Buck Rodgers 11:36 - Mills, Wallach and special baseball friendships 13:44  -Growing up as the son of Tito Francona 17:33 - The Winter Ball experience 18:13 - Terry's first knee injury and using The Hawk as inspiration 22:56 - Playing with Pete Rose 27:34 - The genesis of Tito as manager 29:48 - Michael Jordan 35:00 - Surviving first gig as manager of bad Phillies 36:50 - Red Sox were ready to win and Pedroia respect 41:32 - Dave Roberts saved his managerial career 42:18 - Comparing the '81 and '82 Expos ---- Get the video version of "Exit Philosophy" and "Conversations with Griff" on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExitPhilosophy ---- For the full catalogue of Richard Griffin's work, including weekly Blue Jays/MLB columns, a weekly MLB Power Rankings column, exclusive conversations with some of the game's greats, past and present, and the Exit Philosophy podcast, visit https://www.griffsthepitch.com/  

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