'I Need to Get Married': Former Manager, 51, Says No to Managerial Offer After 10-Year Romance; Wedding Set for November

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Alex Cora, 51, the former manager who was dismissed while leading the Boston Red Sox and is currently without a team, has decided to decline an offer to return as a Major League Baseball manager and take a break from the baseball world for the time being. The reason is none other than 'marriage.'

According to reports by the New York Post and others on the 8th (Korean time), former Manager Cora recently conveyed to the Philadelphia Phillies organization his intention to step away from the field and rest next season. Cora had been mentioned as a strong candidate for the next manager of the Phillies, but he is known to have politely declined the return offer in order to spend time with his family and prepare for his wedding.

Cora is also a familiar name to domestic baseball fans. After debuting in Major League Baseball in 1998, he firmly established himself in the big leagues starting in 2000, becoming well-known as a teammate of 'Korean Express' Park Chan-ho (53) during his time with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Playing primarily at shortstop and other infield positions, he displayed stable defensive skills but is evaluated as a player whose hitting was somewhat disappointing. During his years mainly occupying the lower part of the batting order, Cora's OPS (on-base percentage plus slugging percentage) in 2001, the final year of Park Chan-ho's first stint with the Dodgers, was just 0.590. However, after transforming into a coach following his retirement, he rose to become a renowned manager representing Major League Baseball, including leading Boston to a World Series championship in the 2018 season.

The most decisive reason for Cora to pause his coaching career is his wedding. He will tie the knot with his long-time partner, Angelica Feliciano, this November. In November 2025, Cora made a public proposal on his SNS, posting a photo of him placing a ring on Feliciano's finger along with the phrase "To be continued."

The two share a deep connection. Beyond their common background as Puerto Ricans, they are linked by an exceptional baseball lineage. Cora's late father, Jose Manuel Cora, was a baseball figure who established a Little League program in his hometown and also worked as a broadcast reporter; his brother, Joey Cora, has also served as both a big league player and coach. Feliciano's father is also a former legendary pitcher who served as the flag bearer for Puerto Rico at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Feliciano's younger brother, Jesus Feliciano, previously shared the same team with Cora in the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets.

The two developed into a romantic relationship starting in 2016 and have nurtured their love for about 10 years, already having twin sons. In addition to baseball, they share a common interest in marathon running, and after being steadfast companions for a long period, they will finally become officially married.

Cora, who stepped down as manager in April last year when Boston struggled with a record of 10 wins and 17 losses, is a renowned manager whose leadership was recognized through a career record of 620 wins and 541 losses. His career managerial winning percentage reaches 0.534. Although he received offers from several teams, including the Philadelphia Phillies, he chose to prepare for a new second act in his life rather than returning to the field.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original