Dodgers news: Francona outraged at MLB support of veterans

Nick Francona claims that the MLB are hypocrites in their treatment of our nation’s veterans, after being let go by the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Veterans Day is typically a day we say thanks to all of those who bravely and selflessly served this great country of ours. Major League Baseball has always been a frontrunner and avid supporter of veterans for many years now, which includes the Los Angeles Dodgers.

However, Nick Francona, Assistant Director of Player Development with the New York Mets, strongly believes that Major League Baseball is hypocritical in their support and treatment of the United States military veterans.

The MLB has always been a strong supporter of veterans, the most recent case of donating a $250,000 grant towards the Headstrong Project, a PTSD and mental health program who assists post-9/11 military veterans and their families.

Francona believes that is all a front, who claims he was fired by the Dodgers due to the fact that he himself is a veteran. According to Josh Byrnes — Director of baseball operations for the Dodgers — player development director at the time, Gabe Kapler, expressed to the front office that Francona had become “too hardened” and “ruined” by his combat experience.

A former Marine who served in Afghanistan, Francona believes that he was fired due to those very reasons. On the flip side, the Dodgers expressed that his departure was due to “personal reasons.”

Recently, MLB has investigated the matter, finding no wrongdoing thus far by the Dodgers or Kapler. Francona spoke out in response, feeling he is due to some justice on this matter:

"“While I strongly disagree with the results of Major League Baseball’s investigation, I will nonetheless work with them to improve their engagement with military veterans and will take on a leadership role in these initiatives.”"

Now apart of the New York Mets organization, he is satisfied with their treatment of he and other military veterans:

"“I am proud to be a part of a team with a strong track record of support for military veterans in their community.”"

According to the New York Daily News, this report surfaced when Kapler was named the manager of the Philadelphia Phillies. What a way to start your tenure at a new job, huh?

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Being a military veteran should expand your opportunities in employment, not hinder them. Also, there is nothing indicating that Francona was unfit for service, so to speak, with what seems more of a personality clash.

A good possibility is that Francona brought a tough, hard-nosed attitude to his work, which might have rubbed people within the organization the wrong way.

One man’s castaway is another’s treasure, with the Mets making the right move in bringing Francona into their front office, who I believe will help take New York to new heights in the near future.

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If the Dodgers dismissed Francona for the reason’s he claims, shame on you, and shame on Kapler. If the reports are true, strong disciplinary action should come Kapler’s way.

At the same time, this is an isolated incident where Major Baseball is concerned, where they are huge ambassador of veterans, such as Francona.

Most importantly, thank you, Mr. Francona, for your service and happy Veterans Day to all of you who have served!