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

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Get the video version of "Exit Philosophy" and "Conversations with Griff" on YouTube:

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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/