Science Fair Project Encyclopedia
Categories: 1989 American League All-Stars | 1990 American League All-Stars | 1991 American League All-Stars | Atlanta Braves players | Chicago White Sox players | Cleveland Indians players | Milwaukee Brewers players | Philadelphia Phillies players | Tampa Bay Devil Rays players | Texas Rangers players | Baseball players | Major league designated hitters | Japanese baseball players | Mexican baseball players | Sportspeople of the Dominican Republic | 1978 births
Julio Franco
Julio César Robles Franco (born August 23, 1958 in Hato Mayor, Dominican Republic) is a Major League Baseball player. At age 46, he is currently the oldest baseball player in the major leagues and is the only active player left who was born in the 1950's. Franco made his debut on April 23, 1982 as a shortstop for the Philadelphia Phillies. He bats and throws right-handed.
A flashy but error-prone shortstop early in his career, Franco's hitting has always overshadowed his abilities in the field. He has seen significant playing time at second base, first base, and as a designated hitter.
Career
- 1982: Philadelphia Phillies
- 1983-88: Cleveland Indians (1983-88, 1996-97)
- 1989-93: Texas Rangers (1989-93)
- 1994: Chicago White Sox (1994)
- 1995: Japanese League
- 1996-97: Cleveland Indians
- 1997: Milwaukee Brewers (1997)
- 1998: Japanese League
- 1999: Tampa Bay Devil Rays
- 2000: Mexican League
- 2001-present: Atlanta Braves
Highlights
- 3-time All-Star (1989-91)
- MVP All-Star Game (1990)
- Led American League in batting average (.341, 1991)
- 2nd in the AL Rookie of the Year selection (1983, behind Ron Kittle and over Mike Boddicker)
- Led AL in at-bats (658, 1984)
- Top 10 MVP selection (8th, AL, 1994)
- Carolina League MVP (1980)
- Twice hit over .400 in the Mexican League (.423, 1999; .437, 2000)
- Oldest player to hit a Grand Slam (45, 2004, surpassing Carlton Fisk, 43, 1991)
- Oldest non-pitcher player in MLB history (46)
- Led all Dominican players in MLB history in seasons, games, at-bat, hits, and base on balls
- Has compiled 4100 hits 26-year professional career:
- Major Leagues: 2457
- Minor Leagues: 618
- Mexican League: 316
- Japanese League: 286
- Dominican Winter League: 267
- Korean League: 156
External links
- Julio Franco at:
- Baseball Library (bio and accomplishments)
- Baseball Reference (analysis and statistics)
- ESPN (profile and daily report)
- The Top 100 Greatest Indians Roster
- Japanese Baseball (stats)
- Julio Franco - "Ancient" first baseman
- Oldest player to hit a grand slam
- Old Man Franco (trivia and facts)
- Matusalén con un bate (in Spanish)
Categories: 1989 American League All-Stars | 1990 American League All-Stars | 1991 American League All-Stars | Atlanta Braves players | Chicago White Sox players | Cleveland Indians players | Milwaukee Brewers players | Philadelphia Phillies players | Tampa Bay Devil Rays players | Texas Rangers players | Baseball players | Major league designated hitters | Japanese baseball players | Mexican baseball players | Sportspeople of the Dominican Republic | 1978 births
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