Sports

Red Sox fire John Farrell

BOSTON — The Boston Red Sox have announced that John Farrell will not return as the club's manager for the 2018 season.

Farrell, 55, just completed his fifth season as Red Sox manager. During his tenure, the club went 432-378 and earned three division titles. He is the only manager to ever lead the Sox to consecutive division titles.

>> The time was right to fire Farrell

In his first season, Boston won its eighth World Series championship and Farrell was named American League Manager of the Year by The Sporting News.

President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski spoke to the media Wednesday morning to discuss the club's decision to fire Farrell, as well as the search for a new manager.

Boston 25 Live Stream

Red Sox addressing firing of John Farrell, search for new manager.

Posted by Boston 25 News on Wednesday, October 11, 2017

John Farrell released a statement Wednesday afternoon:

"Despite an end to this season that we all wanted to be different, I am proud of this ball club and the resiliency shown. I have enjoyed every moment of this job - its peaks and its valleys. There are few, if any, positions in life that create so much passion on a daily basis. 

I am grateful to an ownership group that gave me such a unique opportunity, and one that shared my desire to bring World Series championships to this great city. They supported me through a challenging and scary period in my own life, and I remain forever indebted. 

I am grateful to two front office groups that worked tirelessly to provide me with the players that could consistently match up with the very best in the game. Their time and resources made my job so much easier and fulfilling. 

I am thankful for fellow coaches who are far more than that - they are close friends. They have provided the necessary direction, guidance, and humor that have made the daily activities of a long season all that much more enjoyable. 

I am especially grateful for five years of great players - and people. This game has always been built around and for the players, and I have tried to respect that for five years in Boston. I have witnessed Hall of Famers, memorable Fenway wins, and countless private moments that will always be with me. Those relationships will remain cherished for years. 

The legions of fans who support this franchise keep their manager on his toes day in and day out. There are no days off when managing this proud franchise. I would not have wanted it any other way. 

Again, I thank John Henry, Tom Werner, Michael Gordon, and the ownership team for their faith in me and wish them nothing but the best moving forward."

BREAKING: The Boston Red Sox have FIRED Manager John Farrell https://boston25.com/2xykjyn

Posted by Boston 25 News on Wednesday, October 11, 2017

>> Astros end Red Sox season with win in Game 4

The Red Sox season ended Monday with a loss to the Houston Astros in Game 4 of the ALDS.

A search for a new manager will begin immediately.