Elder Francona dies at 84
John “Tito” Francona, who proudly watched his son Terry follow his footsteps to the major leagues, died unexpectedly at his home on Tuesday night in New Brighton, Pennsylvania. He was 84.
Francona’s passing cast a pall over Cleveland’s training camp in Goodyear, Ariz., as pitchers and catchers reported Wednesday. Indians manager Terry Francona, who has been affectionately called “Tito” for years in a respectful bow to his dad, will leave the team for several days to be with family.
The elder Francona played in the majors for 15 seasons, six with the Indians. He finished his career with the Milwaukee Brewers in 1970.
Tito Francona batted .363 and finished fifth in American League MVP voting in 1959, his first season with the Indians. He led the AL in doubles the following year, and in 1961 he was an AL all-star.
Francona made his debut in 1956 with the Baltimore Orioles.
BASEBALL
Former all-star pitcher Esteban Loaiza, who earned more than $43 million over 14 seasons, pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to drug charges following his arrest for allegedly possessing 44 pounds of suspected cocaine.
Loaiza, 46, denied all allegations during an appearance in San Diego County Superior Court.
Prosecutors charged Loaiza with possession and transportation for sale of more than 10 kilograms (22 pounds) of cocaine base or heroin, and using a false compartment to smuggle drugs.
Loaiza would face up to 20 years and eight months in prison if convicted.
NFL
Fox Sports will broadcast the NFL draft this season, along with the NFL’s usual television partners of ESPN and NFL Network.
Fox will show the same feed as the NFL Network. ESPN will still air its own draft feed but the current rights deal for the draft allowed for the inclusion of another broadcaster.
Fox won the rights to broadcast 11 Thursday night football games in a deal with the NFL last month.
HOCKEY
Brandon Ranford’s shootout goal gave the San Antonio Rampage a 5-4 victory over the Milwaukee Admirals at UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena.
Anthony Richard gave the Admirals a 4-3 lead at the 2:09 mark of the third period, but Reid Petryk’s goal with 9:24 left forced overtime.
Frederick Gaudreu scored a pair of goals for the Admirals (25-20-4-1)
WOMEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL
A 22-point fourth quarter helped Rutgers pull away from Wisconsin, 63-50.
Sophomore Marsha Howard was the only player in double figures for the host Badgers (9-18, 2-12 Big Ten) with 12 points.
Rutgers’ Tyler Scaife led the Scarlet Knights with 25 points.
GOLF
Pro golfer Bill Haas was injured in a fatal two-car crash Tuesday night in Pacific Palisades, Calif.
The PGA Tour and Haas’ manager, Allen Hobbs, confirmed in a statement Wednesday morning that Haas, 35, was a passenger in a car involved in the accident. According to the statement, Haas avoided serious injuries and was planning to return to his home in Greenville, S.C., after his release from the hospital.
The driver of that car, identified by coroner’s officials as Mark William Gibello, 71, of Pacific Palisades, died at the scene. He was a member of the family with which Haas was staying as he prepared to play this week in the Genesis Open.