Terry Francona and Broadcaster Don Orsillo Fight In The Dugout [Video]

Boston, MA — Cleveland Indians Manager Terry Francona got into a pre-game wrestling match with old friend Don Orsillo last night in the visitor’s dugout at Fenway Park. It was all in good fun, though, although Orsillo seemed to get the worst of it.

Orsillo is the affable long-time Red Sox television play-by-play broadcaster who has had a good-natured feud with the former Red Sox skipper who is making his first visit to Boston as Indians manager. Regular viewers of Red Sox games on NESN know that Orsillo tends to be sensitive about his wardrobe and his hair, or at least seems to spend a lot of time talking about it on the air.

In the of video of the dugout horseplay embedded below which was shot by NESN field reporter Jenny Dell, Francona wants to say hello to Orsillo who in turn asks him “to stay there and be nice.” Of course Francona then proceeds to grab Orsillo’s tie, messes with his hair, and otherwise puts the broadcaster in a bear hug. As Orsillo retreats, Francona says “come back, you big baby.”

The Red Sox defeated the Tribe 8-1 last night. Both teams are in second place in their respective divisions.

Terry Francona is the beloved former Red Sox skipper who led the time to two World Series in 2004 and 2007. Going into his first season as Cleveland Indians manager, had a 1029–915 record as a big league manager (.529). He managed the Phillies for four season and the Red Sox for eight. Francona, who shares the “Tito” nickname with his dad, played for several MLB teams as an outfielder and first basemen from 1981 to 1990.

Don Orsillo has been the play-by-play announcer for the Red Sox since 2001. In 2011, Orsillo reportedly dislocated Francona’s pinky finger after the manager again messed with his hair.

Watch the raw video of the Terry Francona-Don Orsillo rumble filmed by Jenny Dell apparently on her cell phone and then the humorous recap with Red Sox color commentator Jerry Remy:

[Top image credit: Keith Allison]