Overview

• On July 25, 2025, the Great American Ball Park scoreboard replayed a clip of Rays manager Kevin Cash striking out during batting practice before Cincinnati’s 7-2 win over Tampa Bay.
• The Reds’ official X account posted the looping video and credited Francona with arranging the prank for the pregame festivities.
• This installment adds to a series of public jabs between the two managers that began in 2015 and often use stadium video boards as a comedic stage.
• The playful rivalry is rooted in Cash’s time as a catcher under Francona in Boston (2007–08) and as Francona’s bullpen coach in Cleveland (2013–14).
• Despite the teasing, the two maintain mutual respect and combine for 2,876 career managerial wins, with Francona recording 2,004 and Cash 872.