Remembering Tito Francona, a true gentleman

Most of the stories written about the death of Tito Francona have referred to him as “a former major league player and father of Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona.”

Factually, there was nothing wrong with the description about Tito, who passed away Tuesday evening at 84. Tito certainly took a lot of pride in the accomplishments of his son and how Terry has become one of the best managers in baseball, as well as one of the sport’s most well-liked figures, after his playing career was sabotaged by injuries.

However, Tito was much more than Terry’s father. He had a fine 15-year playing career from 1956-70 as an outfielder/first baseman for nine teams, most notably the Indians, and batted .272/.343/.403 with 125 home runs while also being selected to the All-Star Game in 1961.

I faintly remember Tito as a player as I was just 6 years old when he retired. However, I still recall getting his baseball card and my father telling me Tito was from New Brighton. As a kid growing up in Beaver County, I thought it was incredibly cool that someone from my home area was good enough to play in the big leagues.

Thus, it was quite a thrill when I got a chance to meet Tito for the first time. I was in college and working part-time at the Beaver County Times and he was the head of the county’s recreation department.

While covering WPIAL baseball playoff games at Bradys Run Park each spring, Tito would join me for a few innings and tell stories from his playing days. I was totally captivated.

What I will remember most about Tito is how he was always a gentleman and kind to everybody. He was the type of guy who made you feel like you were the most important person in the world.

And then there was his humbleness.

I was still working at the Times in 2004 when Terry led the Red Sox to the World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals. My assignment was to get Tito’s reaction to Terry reaching the Fall Classic for the first time.

Tito initially said he didn’t want me to write the story and wouldn’t cooperate before finally relenting after I did a certain amount of pleading.

“This is about Terry, not me,” he said. “Terry got them to the World Series. You should write about him. He deserves the credit. I just happen to be his father.”

Tito Francona was much more than that, though. He was a great guy and I’m a better person for having known him.

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John Perrotto is the owner/operator of The Perrotto Report, a pair of baseball-themed newsletters --- one about Major League Baseball and one specifically about the Pittsburgh Pirates. More information and ordering instructions can be found here.