First it was former Arizona Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson and Parkinson’s. Now it’s Boston Red Sox manager John Farrell and Lymphoma. In the last few months, two managers have been diagnosed with two terrible diseases that affect so many.
A report came out on Friday, August 14 that the cancer was found during hernia surgery on Monday in Detroit. Doctors view it as “highly curable,” but it will sideline Farrell for the remainder of the Red Sox’ lost season.
Farrell, 53, has been involved in baseball in some capacity for the last 28 years. He spent the first eight years of his career as a pitcher, then returned to his alma mater, Oklahoma State University, as a coach in 1997. He was then hired by the Cleveland Indians as director of player development in 2001, a position he held until 2006.
Farrell’s old career as a pitcher came in handy, as he was hired as the Red Sox pitching coach in 2007. He went on to capture his first World Series title.
After the 2010 season, Farell stepped down to pursue a managerial career, taking the job with the Toronto Blue Jays.
In his first season, he finished at exactly .500, going 81-81, fourth in the American League East. The following season was not as kind to Farrell, as Toronto finished at 73-89, and again fourth in the AL East.
He was again hired by the Red Sox, this time as their manager, in 2013, floowing the departure of Terry Francona to Cleveland. In Farrell’s first season as Boston’s manager, he went on to the win the World Series, his second in seven seasons. That year the Red Sox finished at 97-65 atop the AL East.
Recently, however, the Red Sox have not fared as well. Last season they finished at 71-91, last in the AL East, and this season they currently sit at 50-64, again last in the AL East. There has been speculation that Farrell may be on the hot seat, but only time will tell.
Bench coach Torey Lovullo will take over as manager for the remainder of the season.
Main Photo
