Reds Manager Gifted Custom Swimwear with His Face

Catcher Tyler Stephenson surprises Terry Francona with unique personalized trunks

Apr. 1, 2026 at 2:23am

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An abstract, energetic painting featuring bold brushstrokes in neon colors, capturing the surprise and excitement of a baseball manager receiving a unique, personalized gift from one of his players.A lighthearted gift exchange highlights the close bond between a beloved baseball manager and his players.Cincinnati Today

Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson gifted his manager Terry Francona a pair of custom swim trunks featuring Francona's face. Francona was surprised and amused by the unique gift, saying he nearly had a 'heart attack' when he first saw it. The Reds skipper said he's keeping the swimwear as a souvenir, though he doesn't expect to actually wear it in public.

Why it matters

The gesture highlights the close relationship and mutual respect between Francona and his players. Francona is widely admired across baseball for his leadership and player-centric approach, and this lighthearted gift demonstrates the affection his team has for him.

The details

Stephenson said he spent a day or two thinking about the unique gift idea before presenting the custom swim trunks to Francona in the Reds' clubhouse. Francona's initial reaction was one of surprise, with the manager saying he 'just about had a heart attack' when he first saw the swimwear featuring his own face. While Francona said he won't be wearing the trunks outdoors, he is keeping the gift as a souvenir, hanging it in his office.

  • The gift exchange took place during the Reds' opening homestand in 2026.

The players

Terry Francona

The manager of the Cincinnati Reds, known for his player-friendly approach and respected leadership across Major League Baseball.

Tyler Stephenson

The starting catcher for the Cincinnati Reds, who came up with the unique idea to gift custom swimwear featuring Francona's face to his manager.

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What they’re saying

“It took me like a day or two to think about how I wanted to do it. I put it on one day and was going to go into Tito's office, but he wasn't in there. He was in the coaches' room, which was even better.”

— Tyler Stephenson, Reds Catcher

“I just about had a heart attack.”

— Terry Francona, Reds Manager

The takeaway

This lighthearted gift exchange demonstrates the strong bond and mutual respect between Reds manager Terry Francona and his players. Francona's player-first approach has made him a beloved figure across baseball, and this unique gesture from catcher Tyler Stephenson is a testament to the close-knit culture Francona has fostered in Cincinnati.