Cora, Breslow, Varitek recall Lucchino’s legacy
Ex-president played instrumental role
OAKLAND, Calif. — Before taking questions about his team’s final two games against the Athletics, Red Sox manager Alex Cora reflected on the life of former team president Larry Lucchino, who died Tuesday morning.
“Thoughts and prayers to Larry’s family,” Cora said. “What he meant to this organization, what he meant to this game, what he meant to everybody that somehow in some way that he was a part of our lives.”
Lucchino served as Sox president and CEO from 2002-15. He played an instrumental role in breaking the 86year World Series curse with the team’s 2004 title and added two more World Series championships (2007, ’13).
“He was all about the Red Sox,” Cora, an infielder for the 2007 World Series winners, said. “He was all about the home team. It was great, man. Like I said, it’s a sad day for all of us. But when you think about the impact that he had on this organization and this game, he should be considered for the Hall of Fame. To me, he’s a Hall of Famer.”
Lucchino was responsible for hiring a young Theo Epstein as general manager ahead of the team’s 2004 and ’07 championships. Epstein, who left to take over the Cubs in 2011 and helped break another title drought in 2016, is back as a part-owner of Fenway Sports Group and senior adviser.
“Larry leaves behind a giant baseball legacy full of historic accomplishments with three different organizations,” Epstein said. “For me and for so many of my best friends in baseball, Larry gave us our start, believing in us and setting an enduring example with his work ethic, vision, competitiveness and fearlessness. He made a profound impact on many in baseball — and on the game itself — and will be missed.”
Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow pitched for the team for parts of four seasons, including in 2013 when it posted Lucchino’s third title.
“Larry Lucchino leaves a lasting impact on the Boston Red Sox and on Major League Baseball,” Breslow said. “As an executive, he was a visionary, someone who saw our great game not just for what it was, but what it could be for each other and for our communities. As a humanitarian, he was a champion for causes like the Jimmy Fund and the
Red Sox Foundation. All the while he maintained an incredible balance of discipline, fervor, and compassion.”
Jason Varitek, the Red Sox’ game planning coordinator and former catcher who played his entire 15-year career in Boston and was on the 2004 and ’07 title teams, also reflected on Lucchino’s impact.
“Red Sox Nation lost a legend today,” Varitek said. “Larry was larger than life and loved to win, something that drive his teams to do the same. It was an honor to play for him, know and learn from him, and to see his visions brought to life. The mark that he has left on the Red Sox, on baseball, will never be forgotten.”
Abreu stays ready
Tyler O’Neill has cemented himself as a key piece for the Red Sox early in the season. Ceddanne Rafaela’s defense and game-changing ability on the bases ignites the club. Jarren Duran’s maturation to go along with his speed provides much-needed athleticism.
As a result, Wilyer Abreu’s time in the outfield has been limited.
“I just keep doing my routine,” Abreu said through team interpreter Carlos Villoria Benitez. “I keep getting ready for when I’m going to play that day. Obviously, working hard and just being ready for when that time and opportunity comes and taking full advantage of it.”
Abreu has started just two of six games. The lefthanded hitter was out of the lineup again Tuesday night against the A’s, who started lefty Alex Wood.
A rough time at the plate during spring training has carried over into the season. It’s a small sample size, but Abreu has one hit in nine at-bats and is chasing pitches at a 35 percent clip.
“I need to calm down a little bit,” he said. “Be relaxed and I feel like if I am able to do those things, I’m going to be OK. I feel like I put the work in and everything, so everything should be fine.”