I read the story of this MLB baseball coach missing a game to attend his daughter's graduation with great interest. Mostly, I read it because I could not imagine anyone being mad at a father for taking a day off work to attend his child's special event. Fathers do this every day across America. Alas, I was wrong.
Boston Red Sox manager addresses criticism after missing game for daughter’s graduation https://t.co/9Dgjn49o1s
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) May 24, 2025
Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora is defending himself for missing one of the team's games to attend his daughter's college graduation.
Cora skipped a May 19 game between the Red Sox and the New York Mets at Boston's Fenway Park in order to watch his daughter, Camila, participate in a graduation ceremony at Boston College.
“I made the best decision for my daughter, and for those who don’t understand, I’m not gonna try to convince them,” Cora told reporters May 20 in a video NBC Sports Boston shared on TikTok.
Cora came under fire in local media for skipping the game, which the Red Sox won 3-1.
Mike Felger, a popular radio personality at 98.5 The Sports Hub in Boston, slammed Cora's decision, noting that Boston College's graduation ceremony took place in the morning while the Red Sox game started at 6:45 p.m.
"They were, I believe, done by noon, which means you can have a nice big party in the middle of the day,” Felger said, according to the Boston Herald. “Just cab down the street and manage the game.”
“It’s just the leadership and optics of the whole thing," Felger added. "It’s a very easy chance for him to say, ‘Nothing’s more important than tonight’s game.'"
Apparently, I underestimated the American obsession with professional sports. I love sports as much as the next red-blooded American, but a child's very important milestone comes first. He is a father first. Fathers should always put the needs of their children before any occupation. This should not disturb the public at large. The baseball team will be fine for one evening.
one thing I've learned in recent weeks: you👏don't👏owe👏anyone👏an👏explanation 👏👏👏 https://t.co/0njfemK0OK
— Stephanie (@ssoutheyyy) May 24, 2025
Think those bringing the criticism are the ones who should have to answer for something https://t.co/bHs2lghQeU
— Rob Trishman Jr. (@RobTmanJr) May 24, 2025
Indeed, they are the ones in the wrong.
No one, and I mean NO one should ever criticize someone for putting their family first. There are 81 home games a year and one graduation (at whatever level) in a lifetime. Go to the graduation and build a team that can handle your one game absence!!! https://t.co/93Bf0VyTwm
— Michael O'Connor (@oconnormi) May 24, 2025
If a head coach has not trained his staff to go on for one game in his absence, there are bigger problems than missing one game.
Someone could have "managed" while he was out. Period. There are exceptions to not showing up to work and your child graduating is one of them.
— SHANIA (@LaDiiDay820) May 24, 2025
What is wrong with people? Of course his daughter’s graduation is more important than any game. People are so selfish and childish these days.
— Julie Wein (@missydelite) May 25, 2025
People have clearly lost their mind. Clearly and thankfully, this father had his priorities straight and should be an example to all Americans.
