Sam Kennedy described the emotional impact on the Boston Red Sox following the firing of manager Alex Cora. This marks the first time in his 25 years with the team that a manager has been dismissed during the season before April's end.
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Sam Kennedy Describes 'Emotional' State Of Red Sox After Alex Cora Firing originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Boston Red Sox President and CEO Sam Kennedy has seen a lot during his 25 years in the Red Sox front office, but Alex Cora's firing was a first for him.
It was the first time during his tenure that Boston had dismissed a manager during a season, let alone before the end of April.
Cora's stunning firing on Saturday in Baltimore sent shockwaves throughout Major League Baseball and the Red Sox organization. For many Boston players, Cora was the only MLB manager they'd ever known.
Accordingly, many of them were understandably emotional when they learned the news that the Red Sox were parting ways with Cora.
"I think it's accurate to say that it was a very emotional 24, 48 hours in Baltimore for everybody involved, mostly the people impacted by the moves," Kennedy said during his radio appearance on WEEI on Tuesday morning. "That's a demonstration of the incredibly close relationships that have been forged over the years. It's hard any time there's change."
The specific reasons for Alex Cora's firing have not been detailed, but it represents a significant decision by the team's management.
Sam Kennedy described the situation as emotional for the team, highlighting the impact of such a decision.
This is the first instance in Sam Kennedy's 25 years with the Red Sox that a manager has been fired during the season.
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With the exception of 2020, Cora had been Boston's manager since 2018, making him the third-longest tenured manager in team history. A respected and popular leader, he'd built strong relationships with veterans and rookies alike.
However, Kennedy is confident the team will rally together and turn their season around, which they've already started doing. They're 2-0 without Cora, similar to how they played well last year following the Rafael Devers trade.
"This is a professional group. They're gonna pull together and now move forward with a lot of season left," Kennedy added.
Kennedy also said the front office believed a change was needed amid the team's disappointing start.
"I'd say the moves were really about the confidence and the belief in the 2026 Red Sox and this group of players," Kennedy continued. "As painful and difficult as it was, we really thought it was necessary for a fresh start for this particular group of guys. That's why we acted, and that's why we're we are... It is a drastic move, but obviously we felt it was necessary where we are."
The Red Sox were 10-17 and off to one of the worst starts in recent team history before firing Cora. They're hoping that new leadership on the field and fresh voices can give the team a spark and help save the season before it's too late.