Terry Francona, the longtime manager of the Cleveland Guardians, recently took the opportunity to laud two media figures who will be celebrated by the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2026.
Paul Hoynes, a veteran Cleveland sportswriter, has been awarded the BBWAA’s 2026 Career Excellence Award after more than four decades covering the Indians and Guardians, a testament to his enduring excellence in baseball journalism.
Joe Buck, the renowned broadcaster, received the Ford C. Frick Award for his profound impact on baseball broadcasting, an honor that Francona says is especially meaningful given their shared history.
Mentors Who Shaped a Career
Their relationship dates back to Louisville, Kentucky, where a young Francona played for the Redbirds and Buck, then a budding announcer, urged him to try his hand at broadcasting.
Buck’s encouragement led Francona to his debut as a color analyst during the 2011 American League Championship Series, a moment Francona recalls as both enjoyable and formative.
The Hall of Fame induction ceremony, scheduled for the night before the 2026 class is unveiled, will also welcome Carlos Beltrán, Andruw Jones and Jeff Kent, adding a star‑studded backdrop to the tributes.