Liverpool’s owner, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), has taken drastic action at one of its sports teams, the Boston Red Sox, after parting ways with team manager Alex Cora and five members of his coaching staff. The baseball team endured a dismal start to the new season, currently sitting at 10-17 (10-17).
Despite Saturday’s blowout 17-1 victory over the Baltimore Orioles, the call was made to relieve Cora and his behind-the-scenes team of their duties. Cora, a former Red Sox player himself, made an immediate impression after taking over as manager in October 2017, leading the team to World Series glory in 2018.
He will be temporarily replaced by Triple-A Worcester manager Chad Tracy.
“Alex Cora led this organization to one of the greatest seasons in Red Sox history in 2018, and we will always be deeply grateful to him for that and for the years to come,” FSG chief and Liverpool principal owner John Henry said in an official statement.
“He has had a lasting impact on this team and this city. He has led in so many important ways on and off the field.
“These decisions are never easy, but this one is especially difficult given what Alex has meant to the Red Sox since the day he arrived.
“I want to thank Alex, Coach and their family for everything they have given to this organization.
“They are part of this club in ways beyond the field and we will always have a sense of respect and gratitude for them.”
After Cora’s firing, Saturday’s 16-point victory represented the sport’s largest winning margin in the modern era in the last game supervised by a major league manager.
It also marks the first time the Red Sox have fired a manager mid-season since Jimmy Williams suffered the same fate in August 2001.
FSG owns a portfolio of global sports franchises including Liverpool, Boston Red Sox and Pittsburgh Penguins.
The group also oversees teams that compete in NASCAR races and the TMRW Golf League (TGL).
