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Alex Cora named Red Sox manager
BOSTON -- For the majority of his four seasons as a utility infielder with the Red Sox, Alex Cora wore No. 23. Nearly a decade later, the most relevant number associated with him will be 47.
Cora was hired Sunday as the 47th manager in Red Sox history, the team announced Sunday. After one season as the Houston Astros' bench coach, he will take the reins of a young Red Sox team that won 93 games and the division title in back-to-back seasons under deposed manager John Farrell.
Cora received a three-year contract with a club option for 2021, a source told ESPN.
Because Cora and the Astros are still playing, having advanced to the World Series with a 4-0 victory over the New York Yankees in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series on Saturday night in Houston, the Red Sox were unable to introduce Cora at Fenway Park. A news conference will have to wait until after the World Series, which begins Tuesday.
"I am extremely honored and humbled to be named manager of the Boston Red Sox," Cora said in a statement announcing his hiring. "Returning to the Red Sox and the city of Boston is a dream come true for me and my family and I look forward to working towards the ultimate goal of winning another championship for this city and its great fans."
Cora thanked the Astros "for giving me the chance to start my coaching career."
"It has been a very special season and an incredible organization to be a part of and I am looking forward to the World Series and winning with this group," he said.
Cora is the 22nd former Red Sox player to manage the team and the first since Butch Hobson (1992-94). Cora is also the second Puerto Rico native to be a full-time manager in the majors, joining former Marlins skipper Edwin Rodriguez. Sandy Alomar Jr. served as an interim manager for the Cleveland Indians for six games in 2012.
Boston's decision to hire Cora comes after an expedited 11-day search. Within the past week, Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski met with three candidates -- Cora, former Detroit Tigers manager Brad Ausmus and longtime Minnesota Twins skipper Ron Gardenhire, who has since been hired by the Tigers -- before settling on Cora, who also interviewed for openings with the New York Mets and the Tigers.
Cora quickly emerged as the Red Sox's top candidate. Dombrowski traveled to New York on Oct. 15 to interview Cora on an off day in the ALCS. A few days later, Cora spoke by phone with Red Sox owner John Henry.
Indeed, Cora is viewed within the industry as a strong communicator. A bilingual speaker, he has been praised for his ability to relate to players of all backgrounds. He's also only six seasons removed from a 14-year playing career, and at age 42, he will be the third-youngest manager in the majors after Tampa Bay's Kevin Cash and San Diego's Andy Green. Cora is only one month older than Red Sox great David Ortiz, who retired following the 2016 season.
Cora was hired Sunday as the 47th manager in Red Sox history, the team announced Sunday. After one season as the Houston Astros' bench coach, he will take the reins of a young Red Sox team that won 93 games and the division title in back-to-back seasons under deposed manager John Farrell.
Cora received a three-year contract with a club option for 2021, a source told ESPN.
Because Cora and the Astros are still playing, having advanced to the World Series with a 4-0 victory over the New York Yankees in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series on Saturday night in Houston, the Red Sox were unable to introduce Cora at Fenway Park. A news conference will have to wait until after the World Series, which begins Tuesday.
"I am extremely honored and humbled to be named manager of the Boston Red Sox," Cora said in a statement announcing his hiring. "Returning to the Red Sox and the city of Boston is a dream come true for me and my family and I look forward to working towards the ultimate goal of winning another championship for this city and its great fans."
Cora thanked the Astros "for giving me the chance to start my coaching career."
"It has been a very special season and an incredible organization to be a part of and I am looking forward to the World Series and winning with this group," he said.
Cora is the 22nd former Red Sox player to manage the team and the first since Butch Hobson (1992-94). Cora is also the second Puerto Rico native to be a full-time manager in the majors, joining former Marlins skipper Edwin Rodriguez. Sandy Alomar Jr. served as an interim manager for the Cleveland Indians for six games in 2012.
Boston's decision to hire Cora comes after an expedited 11-day search. Within the past week, Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski met with three candidates -- Cora, former Detroit Tigers manager Brad Ausmus and longtime Minnesota Twins skipper Ron Gardenhire, who has since been hired by the Tigers -- before settling on Cora, who also interviewed for openings with the New York Mets and the Tigers.
Cora quickly emerged as the Red Sox's top candidate. Dombrowski traveled to New York on Oct. 15 to interview Cora on an off day in the ALCS. A few days later, Cora spoke by phone with Red Sox owner John Henry.
Indeed, Cora is viewed within the industry as a strong communicator. A bilingual speaker, he has been praised for his ability to relate to players of all backgrounds. He's also only six seasons removed from a 14-year playing career, and at age 42, he will be the third-youngest manager in the majors after Tampa Bay's Kevin Cash and San Diego's Andy Green. Cora is only one month older than Red Sox great David Ortiz, who retired following the 2016 season.