Red Sox manager recalls unforgettable moments from 2018 World Series-winning season - Source: Imagn
Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora joined Sean Casey and Rich Ciancimino on "The Mayor's Office" podcast on Wednesday, going down memory lane recalling the 2018 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Red Sox won that series in five games against Clayton Kershaw & Co.
From unconventional strategies to breakthrough performances, Cora offered a behind-the-scenes look at what made that year so special.
One standout story involved right fielder Mookie Betts’ adjustment in approach. Cora encouraged Betts, who was the lead-off bat, to be more aggressive, resulting in 20 consecutive first-pitch swings during spring training — all of which ended in outs.
"In the schedule, it was the Rays, and at that point, Archer was with the Rays," Cora said (27:04 onwards). I said, ‘Hey, Mook, after all this stuff, you know what you’re going to do on Opening Day? First pitch, fastball—you’re going deep.’ He was like, ‘Oh no.’ I said, ‘Yeah, you’re swinging. You’ve got to change the whole thing. You have to make sure everybody knows we’re different than last year.’
