Manager Tony DeFrancesco Returns to RedHawks Tuesday
OKLAHOMA CITY - RedHawks manager Tony DeFrancesco is scheduled to return to the team Tuesday after undergoing successful cancer treatments over the past several weeks, the Houston Astros and Oklahoma City RedHawks announced today.
DeFrancesco will be back in the dugout Tuesday night when the RedHawks return to Oklahoma City to face the Omaha Storm Chasers at 7:05 p.m. He spent approximately six weeks receiving treatments at the MD Anderson Cancer in Houston.
"I'm feeling great," DeFrancesco said. "I'm ready to go and very anxious to get back in the dugout. That's where I want to be. I'm looking forward to seeing the players and staff."
DeFrancesco added, "I want to thank my wife and family for all they have done for me during this time. I also can't say enough about the Astros for all the support I've received."
While taking an annual physical at the beginning of spring training, DeFrancesco discussed symptoms he was experiencing with Astros medical personnel. He was then referred to a specialist and eventually diagnosed with cancer. Fortunately the cancer was detected early, and after a successful round of treatments, doctors remain optimistic DeFrancesco will make a full recovery.
"We are thrilled Tony is headed back to Oklahoma City," RedHawks President/General Manager Michael Byrnes said. "We had faith he and his family would pull through this trying time. It's wonderful to have him back, and we will continue to support him any way we can."
DeFrancesco has served as RedHawks manager since 2011 and has led the team to a 228-202 record during his time in Oklahoma City. Last season he guided the RedHawks to a Pacific Coast League leading 82-62 record and an American Southern Division title.
2014 will be DeFrancesco's 20th season as a minor league manger, and throughout his career he has amassed 1,317 wins. In 10 seasons in the Pacific Coast League, DeFrancesco has captured seven division titles and three league championships.
He served as Astros interim manager for the final 41 games of 2012. The team went 16-25 overall but had a strong finish, going 15-15 during the last month of the season.
"We are extremely excited for Tony," Astros Player Development Director Quinton McCracken said. "He has shown tremendous strength while going through this, which is no surprise to us. We are looking forward to his return to Oklahoma City, and I'm sure our players, staff, and the fans are there as well."
Interim manager Tom Lawless has led the RedHawks to a 28-22 record in DeFrancesco's absence.
"We want to thank Tom Lawless for all the work he has done over the past two months," Byrnes said. "Tom has been great to have around the ballpark every day, and we look forward to seeing him when he is back in town as a roving instructor throughout the season."
Tuesday marks the beginning of an eight-game homestand against the Storm Chasers and Memphis Redbirds. For tickets, call (405) 218-1000 or visit okcredhawks.com.