Red Sox fire manager, former UM Hurricanes standout Alex Cora in connection to Astros scandal
The Boston Red Sox announced Tuesday evening they have fired manager and former University of Miami standout Alex Cora for his connection to the Houston Astros’ sign-stealing scandal.
MLB is also investigating the Red Sox for allegedly using the team’s video replay room to communicate opponents’ pitching signs to baserunners during the 2018 season, according to several reports.
The Red Sox won the World Series that season over the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Cora was linked to both schemes, according to multiple reports.
“Given the findings and the Commissioner’s ruling, we collectively decided that it would not be possible for Alex to effectively lead the club going forward,” read a statement in part released by the Red Sox on Tuesday evening on behalf of the club’s principal owner John Henry, chairman Tom Werner, CEO Sam Kennedy and Cora.
Cora was the Astros’ bench coach in 2017 when they won the World Series while using a scheme to steal signs from the opposition.
The scheme was detailed in an Athletic report with former Astros pitcher Mike Fiers going on the record about how it was done.
Cora developed the Astros’ scheme, which utilized an illegal video monitor, according to the Boston Herald.
That led MLB to conduct an investigation, which concluded on Monday with Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow and manager A.J. Hinch each receiving a one-year suspension.
Astros owner Jim Crane fired Luhnow and Hinch the same day MLB levied their punishment, which also included a $5 million fine and forfeiture of first- and second-round picks in the 2020 and 2021 drafts.
Cora played for the Hurricanes from 1994-1996, helping UM reach the College World Series all three years. He was inducted into the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame in 2006.
“I want to thank John, Tom, Sam, the players, our coaching staff and the entire Red Sox organization,” Cora said in the statement. “I especially want to thank my family for their love and support.
“We agreed today that parting ways was the best thing for the organization. I do not want to be a distraction to the Red Sox as they move forward. My two years as manager were the best years of my life. It was an honor to manage these teams and help bring a World Series Championship back to Boston. I will forever be indebted to the organization and the fans who supported me as a player, a manager and in my efforts to help Puerto Rico. This is a special place. There is nothing like it in all of baseball, and I will miss it dearly.”
This story was originally published January 14, 2020 at 7:49 PM.
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