Description

This one carries the autograph of a true baseball lifer. This Official Major League Baseball is signed by Terry “Tito” Francona, current manager of the Cincinnati Reds and one of the most accomplished managers of his generation.

Francona played 10 seasons in the Major Leagues before building a legendary managerial career. He guided the Boston Red Sox to World Series championships in 2004 and 2007, including the historic 2004 title that ended Boston’s 86-year championship drought. He later won three American League Manager of the Year awards while leading Cleveland and, in 2025, recorded his 2,000th Major League managerial victory — becoming just the 12th manager in MLB history to reach that milestone. MLB.com

There’s even a neat Louisville connection: Francona played for the Louisville Redbirds in 1990 near the end of his playing career, and he later returned to Louisville as Reds manager. In 2026, the Louisville Bats honored that history with a Francona bobblehead featuring him in his old Redbirds uniform. MLB.com

The baseball features Francona’s recognizable signature in dark ink along with the Official Major League Baseball markings and Commissioner Robert D. Manfred Jr.’s facsimile signature. A terrific piece for Cincinnati Reds fans, Louisville baseball collectors, Boston Red Sox faithful, or anyone who appreciates one of the game’s great dugout personalities.

Certified authentic by the Louisville Bats.

From breaking curses to collecting 2,000 wins, Francona has seen just about everything baseball can throw at a manager. Now this signed ball can make its next stop in your collection.

About Playing it Forward 502

About Playing It Forward 502: Playing It Forward 502 is a Louisville-area nonprofit that uses sports, community partnerships, and charitable events to create opportunities and give back to local families and organizations. Learn more at https://playitforward502.org.

Condition

Please note all items are "as-is where-is"

Terms and Conditions

1. All items are sold where is, as is.

2. Once payment is completed for item(s) won, the ability to schedule a pick-up time will become available. Scheduling a pick-up time is required. 

3. There will be a $20 fee assessed per item not picked up at that time that will be collected prior to bidding again at our auctions. Unlike retail, we do not have the option to store your item. If the item is larger than a standard suitcase (22" x 14" x 10"), we will charge $50 to the card on file per item to move the item.

4. Please plan accordingly as items not picked up are considered "abandoned". Do not bid if you can't pick up.

5. You are responsible for ensuring you collect all items at pickup.

6. Legacy uses "Popcorn" or "Extended" bidding. This means if a bid comes in at the last second, it is extended 3 minutes. This is like a live auctioneer saying, "going once" to ensure all bids are exhausted prior to closing.

7. We charge a 5% flat buyers premium on all charity items to cover credit card and operational costs.

8. We do not charge tax on 501c charity auctions.  All proceeds from the auction will go to Playing it forward 502. https://playitforward502.org

9. You must bring help to pickup any items. We can recommend movers upon request. Also, please bring tools for items that require disassembly.

10. Please read our complete terms and conditions for additional details.