Boston Red Sox manager Terry Francona was announced as a member of the 2011 College Baseball Hall of Fame class on Monday.
↵Francona is being recognized for his prolific time in the outfield for the University of Arizona from 1978-1980. During his time at Arizona, he was a first-team All-American and led the Pac-10 South in hits, RBI and doubles. In 1980, Francona was named the National Player of the Year, won the Golden Spikes Award, and was named the Most Outstanding Player of the College World Series after his team won the title.
↵In a release by the College Baseball Foundation, the Hall of Fame's sponsoring organization, Francona credited his college head coach for his success on and off the mound:
↵↵↵"I was fortunate to play for the University of Arizona and head coach Jerry Kindall," Francona said. "Not only did he teach us to respect the game of baseball, but also to respect people — pretty valuable lessons for an 18 year old. I am honored to be selected to the College Baseball Hall of Fame."
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Francona will be inducted along with six other inductees on July 3 in Lubbock, Texas. The Red Sox will be playing at Houston that day at 2:05 p.m. - no word if Francona will be able to make the 582-mile journey between the two cities in time for the induction.