CLEVELAND, Ohio – Indians bench coach Brad Mills, a key contributor to Terry Francona’s managerial career for three different teams, retired from the 2020 season and returned to his family in Texas.
Mills left the Indians during spring training in February after her grandson accidentally drowned in Texas. Francona said the family is still dealing with the loss.
“Brad Mills chose to go home to his family and left on Saturday afternoon,” said Francona.
Mills and Francona played together at the University of Arizona and for the Montreal Expos. Mills has been a member of Francona’s coaching staff in Philadelphia, Boston and Cleveland. When Francona was hired by the Indians before the 2013 season, he brought Mills with him. Mills has been the Tribe’s banking coach for the past seven years.
“I think it was agonizing for him to leave home (to come to Spring Training II),” said Francona. “I think it was agonizing for him to leave here. But I know in my heart that he made the right decision.
“If there is ever a bittersweet moment, yesterday I said goodbye. I care about him enough to know where he should be. But I also don’t know if it was my left or right hand. . .Which is better, it has been. “
Francona, who called Mills “my older brother,” said there has been no immediate decision to replace him.
“Each coach has a description by name,” said Francona. “With Millsie, it didn’t matter what the coach said because he had a lot of responsibility with us. That’s because he deserved it and he did a great job. “
Mike Barnett, the Indians’ replay coordinator, leads spring training. Barnnett and infielder coach Mike Sarbaugh ran spring training when Mills left the team in February.
“Together we will work to overcome it,” said Francona. “No one will replace what Millsie does. We know it and he knows it. I think it was a difficult decision for him. I almost wish it hadn’t been so difficult for him because I know in my heart where he should be. . . that’s the house right now. “
Beau Mills, 18 months old, fell into a pool and fell on February 17 in Granberry, Texas. He is the son of Beau Mills, the Indians’ No. 1 pick in 2007.
The Indians’ main office, Francona, and several members of the coaching staff attended the funeral in February.
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New Indian face masks for sale: This is where you can buy Cleveland Indians-themed face liners for coronavirus protection, including a mask ($ 14.99) and a 3-pack ($ 24.99). All MLB proceeds donated to charities.
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