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Julio Franco Calls It Quits
It's the end of a 26-year-long journey for Julio Franco, the 49-year old famously known for his longevity. On Wednesday, Franco, who had been playing in Mexico for the Quintana Roo Tigers, announced his retirement to his teammates and the information was made public on Thursday via a post on the team's website.
In an interview published today by the Mexican sports daily Record, Franco says, "It was the hardest decision in my life. I understand that my time has passed and the great men and athletes know when to say enough."
The first baseman made his final appearance in MLB on September 17, 2007 for the Atlanta Braves. Facing the Florida Marlins, Franco was called on to pinch hit in the bottom of the 8th and made what would be his last at-bat count, lacing a single to right and driving in a run.
Posted by Paul Moro
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'I understand that my time has passed and the great men and athletes know when to say enough.'
Funny he says this now when he couldn't say 'enough' until he was 49.
Happy trails Julio Franco.
Posted by: cfrezz | May 03, 2008 at 05:19 PM
I was cheering for you until at least 50. 1 year shy. Good luck for life Julio
Posted by: Willywonka | May 03, 2008 at 05:21 PM
It was quite an interesting career for Julio Franco. Now, how much longer will it be before he becomes a major league coach and then itching to be a player-coach?
Posted by: ABravesFan | May 03, 2008 at 05:47 PM
Now tell us how old you really are.
Posted by: Laputian | May 03, 2008 at 06:39 PM
I hope he unretires for the next 3 years.
Posted by: ArodSucksAtLife | May 03, 2008 at 07:36 PM
A sad day indeed, a great player and a great person. Oh, and to those poking fun, let's not foget he was still hitting .270 at 48.
Posted by: grimace455 | May 03, 2008 at 09:05 PM
Thanks for the memories, Julio. Good luck in your retirement.
Posted by: HoratioAlgae | May 03, 2008 at 09:47 PM
What a career... he managed to play a good 10 years after most guys would be way past done. His longevity alone makes him remarkable, but add in that he actually played WELL for that whole time speaks volumes. And teams even wanted to employ him despite his age! I don't know if anyone out there could claim to love the game as much as he obviously does.
I wonder if he can catch on somewhere as a bench or hitting coach...?
Posted by: FineHamAbounds | May 03, 2008 at 10:38 PM
Number me with the Julio Franco fans.
This guy was just amazing. What an incredible inspiration to what baseball is really about. When he played you could tell it was because he loved the game. There are plenty of guys around the Bigs who would benefit by hanging around Julio.
Posted by: bjsguess | May 04, 2008 at 12:42 AM
Story time: I remember a game when he was playing for Atlanta in '05, when he lead of an inning, and he bunted his way on, and then stole second 2 pitches later. At AGE 46! Most 20 yr olds in the majors couldn't have done that.
Posted by: FineHamAbounds | May 04, 2008 at 01:27 AM
Guy could have been a sure fire hall of famer if not for the strike. Easily would have had 3,000 hits if he didn't leave for Japan after the strike. I still don't know why the Tribe game up on him in 1997, the man was and still is loved in Cleveland.
Posted by: grimace455 | May 04, 2008 at 01:32 AM
Ahh! I was hoping he would play until 50. Oh well, he was good.
Posted by: studio179 | May 04, 2008 at 11:43 AM
"I wonder if he can catch on somewhere as a bench or hitting coach...?"
Absolutely. If that is what he wants to do, he will have a job on a staff within a few months. He has like 30 years of baseball knowledge to impart on people. I can see him being a hitting coach by 2009 and a manager by '10 or '11.
Posted by: nrmax88 | May 04, 2008 at 11:58 AM
Dudes...you realize he turns 50 in August this year.
It is possible, and I think likely, that the Braves or some other team signs him for 1 day and lets him play, so he played when he was 50!
Posted by: Guitar Hero | May 05, 2008 at 12:14 AM