Red Sox Hire Alex Cora As Manager

The Red Sox have hired Alex Cora as the team's new manager, the team announced Sunday afternoon. Cora is currently the bench coach for the Houston Astros, who are headed to the World Series after beating the Yankees Saturday night in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series.

A native of Puerto Rico, Cora is the first Hispanic manager in franchise history.

Cora played 14 years in the major leagues, including parts of four seasons with Boston as a utility infielder. His lone championship came with the Red Sox in 2007.

Cora, who turned 42 last week, will replace one of the most successful managers in franchise history in John Farrell. Farrell led the Red Sox to the 2013 World Series championship and back-to-back American League division titles the past two seasons, but the team flamed out early in the playoffs both seasons.

“I am extremely honored and humbled to be named manager of the Boston Red Sox and I want to thank Dave, John Henry, Tom Werner, and Sam Kennedy for giving me such a tremendous opportunity," said Cora. “Returning to the Red Sox and the city of Boston is a dream come true for me and my family and I look forward to working towards the ultimate goal of winning another championship for this city and its great fans."

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Photo by David J. Phillip/Associated Press