Terry Francona Is Still Winning His Tobacco Bet

Back in March we first told you about Red Sox skipper Terry Francona's attempt to kick the chewing tobacco habit -- he made a $20,000 bet with team president Larry Lucchino that he could do it this season, with the winner donating money to charity. How's Francona doing? From the Boston Globe:

"Terrible," said Francona. "I'm miserable.

"I almost went off the boat in the second Yankee game in the fifth inning. I made it, but I'm hanging by a thread. There are about six players who want me to start doing it again. I guess I'm getting a little crabby. Hanging in, but barely."

Back in spring training, Francona said how difficult it was to stop. Now that the pressure of the season has started, it hasn't been any easier. He used to love to roll the tobacco around a wad of gum and place it in his cheek. It's been a brutally difficult habit to break.

"That's why I'm not patting myself on the back," Francona said. "How many games have we played? Eighteen? Oh, [expletive]. Made it through spring training, but when they throw balls, it doesn't matter. It's going to be hard. I'm going to keep trying, but it's hard."

Francona admitted to trying to quit just about every year he's managed, but (assuming he doesn't fall off the wagon tonight) this will be the first time he's made it through April 25. He still allows himself an occasional cigar but says he has the most trouble right around 6:30, which is when he'd ordinarily partake in his first wad of chew

If he's struggling so much through just 18 games, does he really stand a chance at 162? I guess we'll have to wait and see, but either way, kudos to him for holding out this long.

(via Ben Maller)

Previously on FanHouse:
Terry Francona Admits to Gambling (But In a Good Way)