Indians manager Terry Francona and Brewers skipper Craig Counsell have been named Sporting News' 2017 managers of the year Hunter Pence Jersey , as selected by a panel of 19 MLB managers.

Francona, who also received the award in 2016,is just the third manager to winin consecutive seasons, joining Billy Southworth of the Cardinals (1941-1942) and Bobby Cox of the Braves (2002-2005). It is the first win for Counsell.Sporting News has given Manager of the Year awards since 1936.

MORE:

Francona, in his fifth year with Cleveland,led the defending AL champion Indians to 102 wins, a record 22-game winning streak in the second half,and a second straight AL Central title. Meanwhile, Counsell, Ariel Jurado Jersey in his third year with Milwaukee, kept the surprisingBrewers in the playoff hunt until the end, finishing with an impre sive 86 wins.

Those who play for both men tout their abilities to relate to players and keep the team motivated during the long MLB season.

One of the first things that you understand about Tito when you first meet him is that he truly cares about everyone in here, Indians closer CodyAllen told SN this season. Hes going to absolutely listen to what you have to say.

For Francona, relating to players means also spending time with them. That includes to help keep things loose.

Ive never been on another team where the manager is playing card games with players, but its not a fluke, Indiansreliever Andrew Miller told SN. The way he does it works. Its a way for him to keep his finger on the pulse of the team.

Meanwhile, Counsell's communication skills and ability to inspire confidencehave helpedearn the respect of players Russell Wilson Jersey , many of whomenjoyed breakout campaigns under his leadership this past season.

Hes a players manager. If you come in and do what youre supposed to do, youre not gonna have any i sues," said Brewers slugger Travis Shaw, who was among those who enjoyed a resurgence in 2017."Its fun to play for a guy like that.

MORE:

Counsell's approach can likely be attributed to a16-yearbig-league career that taught him to understandthe ebbs and flows of a season, his players said.

He knows when the Nolan Ryan Jersey team needs a little bitof a drive and he knows when to just let guys play, starting pitcher Zach Davies. He knows when guys are on a roll. He knows when to just see the game and play on.

Said veteran catcher Stephen Vogt:The team a lot of times is a reflection of the manager. And so everybody here carries themselves profe sionally, come ready to play every day. And thats the mark of playing for a good manager.

Francona's second win gives Cleveland its fourth in Jeff Mathis Jersey the category.Mike Hargrove (1995) and Eric Wedge (2007) were the previous winners.

Counsell is the second Brewers manager to win the award, following George Bamberger in 1978.

VOTING RESULTS

American League (voting by AL managers)

1. Terry Francona, Indians: 7

2. Joe Girardi, Yankees: 2

3. Paul Molitor, Twins: 1

National League (voting by NL managers)

1. Craig Counsell, Brewers: 5

2. Torey Lovullo, Diamondbacks: 2

3. Dave Roberts, Dodgers: 1;Bud Black, Rockies: 1

THIS WEEKS SN AWARD SCHEDULE

Monday:Rookies of the Year (AL and NL)

Tuesday:Comeback Players of the Year (AL and NL)and Managers of the Year (AL Jon Niese Jersey and NL)

Wednesday:AL All-Star Team | NL All-Star Team

Thursday:MLB Player of the Year