Tito: Doby Fund ‘Probably proudest moment’

CLEVELAND — When Terry Francona read the statement the other day, he stared straight down at the paper in front of him and tried hard to compose himself. The weight of the announcement didn’t really hit those in the room, because, Francona admits, his reading was too deliberate to convey the emotion behind the words. And so the initial reports about what the Indians have done didn’t gain much public traction.

But in a more private setting, ask Francona about the $1 million donation the Indians players, staff and ownership made to the newly created Larry Doby Fund in advance of this American League Division Series, and the two-time World Series-winning manager says something striking:

“It was probably the proudest moment I’ve ever had.”

Game Date Time Matchup TV/Highlights Gm 1 Oct. 6   CLE 5, BOS 4 Gm 2 Oct. 7 4:30 p.m. BOS @ CLE TBS Gm 3 Oct. 9 4 p.m. CLE @ BOS TBS *Gm 4 Oct. 10 6 p.m. CLE @ BOS TBS *Gm 5 Oct. 12 6 or 8 p.m. BOS @ CLE TBS *- If necessary | All times listed ETShop for postseason gear: Red Sox | Indians • Complete Postseason coverage

The fund, named after the man who broke the American League color barrier with the Indians in 1947, is not a baseball-related initiative but rather an effort to work with youth-focused community organizations to help curb youth violence. The Cleveland Foundation will handle the grant application process for non-profit organizations in January.

Every member of the Indians roster, as well as the coaching staff, training staff, clubhouse staff and front-office staff contributed to the fund, with their donation totaling more than $500,000. From there, team owner Paul Dolan …

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