John Franco is a former professional baseball player who played as a relief pitcher for several teams in Major League Baseball (MLB) during his career. He was born on September 17, 1960, in Brooklyn, New York, and attended St. John's University, where he played college baseball.
Franco was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the fifth round of the 1981 MLB draft. He made his MLB debut with the team in 1984 but was traded to the Cincinnati Reds the following year. It was with the Reds that Franco established himself as a reliable relief pitcher, earning his first All-Star selection in 1986.
In 1989, Franco signed with the New York Mets, where he would spend the majority of his career. He quickly became a fan favorite and a key member of the team's bullpen. Franco was known for his durability and consistency, and he recorded 30 or more saves in a season six times during his career.
Franco's best season came in 1990 when he recorded 33 saves and a 2.83 earned run average (ERA) while helping the Mets reach the National League Championship Series. He was named the National League Fireman of the Year for his efforts.
Throughout his career, Franco was known for his ability to pitch in high-pressure situations. He recorded the final out of the 1999 National League Championship Series, sending the Mets to the World Series. He also recorded his 400th career save in 2004, becoming just the second pitcher in MLB history to reach that milestone.
In addition to his success on the field, Franco was also known for his philanthropic work off the field. He was heavily involved in charitable organizations and was named the recipient of the Roberto Clemente Award in 1990 for his community service.
Franco retired from baseball in 2005 after 21 seasons in the league. He finished his career with 424 saves, which ranks fourth on the all-time list. He was inducted into the New York Mets Hall of Fame in 2012.
Overall, John Franco was a highly successful relief pitcher who was known for his consistency, durability, and ability to perform in high-pressure situations. He was a key member of several teams throughout his career and left a lasting impact on the game of baseball.
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