Books and articles about Tito Francona

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The standout mark in Francona's career is his .363 average in 1959. Platooned with Jimmy Piersall in the outfield and Vic Power at first base, and often used as a pinch hitter, the lefthanded batter did not qualify for the batting title. He was later a full-time starter in the outfield and at first base for the Indians. He led the AL with 36 doubles in 1960. After leaving Cleveland following the 1964 season, Francona journeyed through baseball as a "super-sub." He led the AL with 15 pinch hits in 1970. His son Terry also played for the Indians, among others. (ME)

FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY » December 1, 1956: Cincinnati slugger Frank Robinson is unanimously voted the National League Rookie of the Year. White Sox SS Luis Aparicio is voted American League Rookie of the Year with 22 points, beating out Oriole Tito Francona and Indian Rocky Colavito. » December 3, 1957: Al Lopez, who traded Larry Doby when he was managing, Cleveland, does it again in Chicago. The Orioles swap P Ray Moore, Billy Goodman, and OF Tito Francona to the White Sox for Doby, pitchers Jack Harshman and Russ Heman, and infielder Jim Marshall. » June 15, 1958: On the last day of trading, the Yanks send 1954 Rookie of the Year P Bob Grim and OF/1B Harry "Suitcase" Simpson to the Athletics for P Virgil Trucks and RHP Duke Maas. The Tigers trade P Bob Shaw and 1B Ray Boone to the White Sox for OF Tito Francona and P Bill Fischer. » March 3, 1959: The Indians send Larry Doby to Detroit for OF Tito Francona. Francona will hit .363 for the Tribe, while Doby will be released after playing just 16 games for Detroit. » September 7, 1961: Roger Maris lays down a bunt and also belts his 55th homer of the year in the 3rd inning as New York beats the Senators, 7–3. All of Washington's scores come in the 6th on an inside-the-park homer by Tito Francona, off Ralph Terry. When asked by a writer after the game why he bunted, a testy Maris replies, "Trying to win the game, you stupid cocksucker. Why do you think." » June 11, 1962: With the bases loaded in the 3rd against the Indians, Boston pitcher Earl Wilson is about to throw when Tito Francona, the runner on 1B, yells, "hold it, Earl." Wilson holds the ball, then stumbles off the mound, balking home the game's first run. The Indians plate nine more in the game to win, 10–0, behind Jim Perry. Willie Kirkland drives in five runs with a home run and double. » July 31, 1963: The Indians become the first American League club to hit four straight home runs. Number eight hitter Woody Held begins with a 2-out blast off Paul Foytack, P Pedro Ramos follows with his 2nd of the game, Tito Francona makes it three straight, and rookie SS Larry Brown's first ML 4-bagger finishes the string. Foytack sets a dubious ML record—the only pitcher to give up four straight home runs. The Indians win 9–5 in the opener of two with the Angels. » December 15, 1964: The Cards purchase OF Tito Francona from the Indians.