Fired Red Sox manager Alex Cora sent a short farewell note to Boston via social media on Tuesday.
“Boston, we will miss you,” he wrote.
“Gracias for making us part of you. #RedSoxNation, you are the [heart emoji] of that team, keep believing, you really care and that’s what pushes everyone in the @RedSox to give it all day in and day out.
“With respect and love, AC”
Team officials dismissed Cora and five of coaches on Saturday after the Red Sox staggered out of the gate to start the season at 10-17.
He was offered another managerial job within hours of being fired, according to USA Today, but Cora declined the offer from longtime acquaintance and Phillies president Dave Dombrowski to replace manager Rob Thomson.
Thomson was officially fired Tuesday and Don Mattingly was named to replace him for the rest of the season.
While Cora’s firing has been met with some support among fans, posts on social media show they largely place the blame for the team’s woes on management, especially owner John Henry and Craig Breslow, the chief baseball owner.
After serving as bench coach for the 2017 world champion Houston Astros, Cora was hired as manager in Boston in 2018. He led the Red Sox to a franchise-record 108 victories and a World Series title.
However, after the 2019 campaign, Cora was implicated in an MLB investigation involving sign-stealing by the Astros. MLB undertook an investigation into the Red Sox practices, but Cora and the Red Sox mutually agreed to separate before the 2020 season.
Cora, 50, was suspended for the 2020 season for his role in Houston, but returned to Boston as manager in 2021.
After missing the playoffs from 2022-24, the Red Sox returned last season, but lost a American League wild-card series to the New York Yankees.
Cora posted an eight-year regular-season record of 619-541 and postseason mark of 18-10.
Chad Tracy has been elevated from manager at Triple-A Worcester to serve as interim manager of the Red Sox.
–Field Level Media
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