The father of Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona has died, the team confirmed Wednesday.
Anthony Castrovince, columnist for the MLB, was the first the report the news on Twitter.
Very sad to report the passing of John Patsy "Tito" Francona, the former All-Star outfielder and the father of Terry Francona. He was 84. @Indians @MLB pic.twitter.com/dT2bGz5S89
— Anthony Castrovince (@castrovince) February 14, 2018
John Patsy "Tito" Francona was 84.
Tito spent six years with the Indians from 1959-64.
In his first year with the Indians in 1959, the year Terry was born, Tito batted .363 and finished 5th in American League MVP voting.
In 1960, he led the AL in doubles and in 1961 he was an AL All-Star and led the league in singles.
He made his debut in 1956 with Baltimore, finishing tied for second with Indians Hall of Famer Rocky Colavito for AL Rookie of the Year.
He ended his career with Milwaukee in 1970.
He was named to the Top 100 greatest Indians Roster in 2001.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Tito Francona’s memory to Cleveland Indians Charities. Funds will be directed to youth baseball-oriented programs in both Cleveland and Tito’s hometown of New Brighton, PA.
