Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora is standing by his decision to miss a game this week — not for an injury or illness, but to celebrate a major milestone in his family’s life: his daughter Camila’s college graduation.
Cora, 49, was absent from the dugout for Monday’s series opener against the New York Mets, choosing instead to attend Camila’s graduation ceremony at Boston College.
But for Cora, there was never a question about what came first.
“It was just a day we’ll always remember,” Cora told reporters on Tuesday, reflecting on the ceremony. “People have their own opinions. I bet those people have families too. And at one point, they had to make decisions, and I bet they made decisions for the best of their family.”
“I made the best decision for my daughter,” he added. “And for those who don’t understand, I’m not going to try to convince them. It is what it is. I made the best decision for my girl.”
Felger, among others, questioned the move given the proximity of the graduation and Fenway Park.
“They were, I believe, done by noon,” Felger said on-air. “Which means you can have a nice big party in the middle of the day. Just cab down the street and manage the game.”
Cora acknowledged that logistics weren’t the issue — it was about being present for the entire experience, not just showing up for a photo op.
“She wanted me to be with her, and it was her day,” Cora said. “So this [baseball] is secondary.”
He went on to emphasize the broader perspective of his role not just as a manager, but as a father.
“We’re in this world for a purpose, right? And for me, it’s to raise her and try to do the best we can,” he said. “Obviously it wasn’t perfect, but right now, it’s perfect.”
Despite his absence, the Red Sox defeated the Mets on Monday night and followed it up with another win in game two of the series on Tuesday, evening their season record at .500. They’ll go for the sweep today.
For Cora, the scoreboard mattered a little less this week. He showed up where it counted most — in his daughter’s proudest moment.
