When managers switch teams, they often bring valuable insight and experience to their new clubs. But what about when they face their old teams- especially after winning a World Series? This unique dynamic raises questions about loyalty, motivation and the complexities of managerial relationships. We delve into the stories of managers who have navigated this challenging and emotionally charged landscape.
World Series Winners Take On Former Teams
Billy Martin, Oakland Athletics
Year: 1981
Result: Lost to New York Yankees in ALCS (3-0)
The series marked the return of Billy Martin to Yankee Stadium, as the Oakland Athletics manager. Martin was known for his fiery personality and on-field confrontations. He had five managerial stints with the New York Yankees despite winning two American League pennants, one division title and a World Series championship. Unfortunately, it didn’t go as planned for Martin.
In the 1981 ALCS, the Yankees asserted their dominance with a convincing three-game sweep of the Athletics. Oakland’s bats were silenced by New York’s impressive pitching, which allowed just four runs across the series. The Yankees advanced to the World Series, only to be defeated by the Los Angeles Dodgers. Billy Martin’s A’s, who had excelled during the regular season, were outmatched by the Yankees’ formidable offense and stingy pitching.
Terry Francona, Cleveland Guardians
Year: 2016
Result: Won against Boston Red Sox in ALDS (3-0)
Terry Francona, the mastermind behind the Boston Red Sox’s historic 2044 World Series title, ending an 86-year championship drought, put together a different kind of victory in 2016.
Managing the Cleveland Guardians, Francona led his team to a resounding sweep of his former club in the ALDS. The Guardians’ dominance was on full display, outscoring the Red Sox 20-7 and advancing to their first ALCS since 2007. It was a sweet triumph for Cleveland, given their postseason heartaches against Boston. In 1999, the Red Sox edged the Guardians in five games in the ALDS, in 2007, Boston staged an epic comeback from a 3-1 deficit in the ALCS, en route to their World Series title.
The series also marked the final postseason appearance for David Ortiz. He suited up in his 85th and last postseason game. Although the Guardians’ postseason run ultimately ended in heartbreak, losing the World Series to the Chicago Cubs in seven games, their ALDS victory served as a poignant reminder of Francona’s enduring managerial prowess.
A.J. Hinch, Detroit Tigers
Year: 2024
Result: Won against Houston Astros in AL Wild Card (2-0)
The Detroit Tigers’ improbable postseason charge seemed like a dream just months ago. But manager A.J. Hinch had other plans. After a remarkable 31-13 finish to the regular season, the Tigers continued their Cinderella story by upsetting Hinch’s former team, the Houston Astros, in the Wild Card. The victory was a sweet one for Hinch, who had a dismal departure from Houston. Despite leading the Astros to the 2019 World Series, Hinch was fired and served a one-year suspension for his role in the 2017 sign-stealing scandal.
