Terry Francona’s stolen World Series rings recovered after sale in Phoenix

PHOENIX – Two World Series rings stolen from the Tucson home of Cleveland Indians Manager Terry Francona were recovered after being sold to a Phoenix sports memorabilia store, authorities said Tuesday.

The rings, which Francona won while managing the Boston Red Sox in 2004 and 2007, were reported stolen Nov. 7, according to a Pima County Sheriff’s Department press release.

Detectives also learned that a $245,830 check belonging to Francona had been fraudulently deposited earlier this year.

The sheriff’s department said the investigation was ongoing.

“I am incredibly grateful to the effort that the Pima County Sherriff’s Department has put forth in this,” Francona said in a statement, according to KVOA. “Beyond that, I can’t comment because it’s an open investigation.”

Francona, 60, played baseball for the University of Arizona and led the Wildcats to the 1980 College World Series championship.

He was never more than a journeyman in the major leagues, but he made his mark as manager over the past two decades.

In 2004, he guided the Red Sox to their first World Series championship since 1918 and followed it up with a second title three years later.

He left the Red Sox after the 2011 season and took over the Indians in 2013. He returned to the World Series in 2016, when Cleveland lost to the Chicago Cubs.

Francona was named American League Manager of the Year in 2013 and 2016.

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