From that ignominious start, Francona found himself on the threshold of a significant managerial milestone: his 1,000th win, which he got with a 3-1 victory over the Mariners.
“Someone did tell me [Friday] it was 998 or I wouldn’t have known,’’ he said. “I don’t think I get too caught up in personal stuff, I hope I don’t. What it does mean to me is that I got really lucky. I caught a huge break just being able to be the manager here.
“We’ve had a great organization and we’ve had great players and I just feel pretty fortunate,’’ he said. “That’s kind of how I feel.’’
Francona has a 1,000-880 managerial record that includes 285 wins with the Phillies (1997-2000) and World Series titles with the Sox in 2004 and ’07.
“It’s a testament to him in sticking it out after a couple of tough years in Philadelphia,’’ said Daniel Bard, who extended his scoreless streak to 22 games. “A lot of guys aren’t given that second chance he was given here, and he’s taken full advantage of it. He’s well-respected by everyone in this clubhouse. He sticks up for us and we try to do the same for him when we’re out there on the field.’’
Francona became the 57th manager to win at least 1,000 games, joining seven active skippers: Tony La Russa (2,691), Jim Leyland (1,546), Dusty Baker (1,454), Bruce Bochy (1,332), Davey Johnson (1,157), Mike Scioscia (1,034), and Jack McKeon (1,027).
“We’re all proud of him,’’ said Dustin Pedroia. “He keeps everybody on that line. We started out two-and-whatever [2-10], and Tito was the same guy as he is now that we’re 23 games over [.500]. That’s all you ask for - a guy that has your back and is always consistent.
“He treats you the same whether you’re hitting .300 or hitting .100,’’ Pedroia said. “That’s all you ask from a manager.’’
During spring training, Red Sox great Dwight Evans said Francona would likely go down as the greatest skipper in Sox history.
No one in the Sox clubhouse argued that point.
