Terry Francona, the Reds’ skipper, entered his second season with the club after a storied career that includes 2,033 managerial wins—12th all‑time—and 12 playoff trips. ESPN’s Jeff Passan dubbed his influence 'pixie dust' for its transformative effect on teams.
If Cincinnati wins this year, Francona would tie for three World Series titles, joining an elite group of managers with multiple championships. His experience and locker‑room chemistry could be the key to a postseason run.