Managers Terry Francona and Joe Maddon extensively relive historic 2016 World Series Game 7 for the first time
Feb. 14, 2024 – For the first time, former managers Terry Francona (then the Cleveland Indians) and Joe Maddon (Chicago Cubs) will join together to relive the historic 2016 World Series Game 7 in a new MLB Network special premiering Thursday, Feb. 22, at 8 p.m. ET. Marking the first time either have watched any extended portion of the game, Maddon and Francona open up to hosts Bob Costas and Tom Verducci about key plays, strategy, crucial moments and the historical significance of the night that ended with the Cubs winning their first World Series title in 108 years (1908). With MLB Network turning 15-years old this past New Year’s Day, the program dives deep on how this game has proven to be one of the most important – if not, the most important – game of the last 15 years and in all of baseball history. A clip from the special can be viewed here.
“Game 7 of the 2016 World Series is the greatest game I have covered in 43 years of covering Major League Baseball,” Verducci says. “As someone who wrote a book about that championship (*"The Cubs Way”), even I was enthralled to hear Joe Maddon and Terry Francona take us inside what was a thriller from start to finish and a true managerial chess match. Among the many nuggets, you will learn and see why Maddon removed starting pitcher *Kyle Hendricks** and hear Francona’s fascinating never-before heard take on starting pitcher Corey Kluber and what he calls the biggest swing of the game. It’s the kind of insight only MLB Network gives you. This is must-see programming for any baseball fan.”
“Any World Series Game 7 holds the potential of great drama,” Costas says. “2016's deciding game certainly provided all the twists and turns, drama and excitement fans could ever hope for. But when you combine that with the rich and at times star-crossed history of the two teams, and the passion and yearning of their fans, this rises to a level all its own. To relive that game through the memories and insights of the two managers was a great experience for me and Tom and it's a program baseball fans will savor.”
In-depth stories about what occurred during the 17-minute rain delay in the 10th inning are told, as are the biggest regrets both managers share looking back on the night eight years later.
In 2011, Costas and Verducci co-hosted MLB Network’s MLB’s 20 Greatest Games series, which ranked the best games of the last 50 seasons. Game 6 of the 1975 World Series between the Boston Red Sox and Cincinnati Reds finished as the No. 1 game, as Hall of Famer and former Reds catcher Johnny Bench and 1975 MVP and Rookie of the Year Fred Lynn joined Costas and Verducci in Studio 42. Game 7 of the 1991 World Series between the Atlanta Braves and Minnesota Twins ranked second in the series, with Hall of Famers Jack Morris and John Smoltz joining in-studio to discuss the night. In addition to MLB’s 20 Greatest Games, Costas and Verducci have regularly called MLB Network Showcase telecasts together since the network launched, and most recently launched The Sounds of Baseball series, profiling MLB’s iconic broadcasters.