Jeff Francoeur
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 Francoeur, playing with the Braves in 2007 |
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| Atlanta Braves — No. 7 | |
| Right fielder | |
| Born: January 8, 1984 Lilburn, Georgia |
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| Bats: Right | Throws: Right |
| Major League Baseball debut | |
| July 7, 2005 for the Atlanta Braves | |
| Selected MLB statistics (through June 10, 2008) |
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| Batting average | .276 |
| Home runs | 69 |
| Runs batted in | 289 |
| Teams | |
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Jeffrey Brandon "Jeff" Francoeur (pronounced /fɹæ̃ŋˈkʊɹ/, born January 8, 1984 in Lilburn, Georgia) nicknamed "Frenchy", is a Major League Baseball player who currently plays for the Atlanta Braves of the National League.
Francoeur was selected by the Braves in the 1st round of the June 2002 free agent draft. Francoeur advanced steadily through the Braves minor league system playing for Danville (Rookie) in 2002, Rome (Low A) in 2003, Myrtle Beach (High A) and Greenville (former AA) in 2004, and Mississippi (AA) in 2005.
After he was drafted, Jeff was assigned to the team’s advanced Rookie League outfit in Danville, Virginia, where he played 38 games and hit .327 with eight homers and 31 RBIs. His teammates with that Braves club included James Jurries, Jonathan Schuerholz, Kyle Davies and Anthony Lerew.
Francoeur was promoted to Atlanta on July 6, 2005. He was part of the group of rookie players nicknamed the "Baby Braves" that Atlanta called up from its minor league system during the 2005 season.
Francoeur made his Major League debut when he started in right field against the Chicago Cubs in the second game of a double header on July 7, 2005. In the bottom of the 8th inning he hit a 3-run home run to center field, his first Major League hit, and received a curtain call from the Braves faithful at Turner Field. After the game he was given the customary hazing of new players, having a shaving cream pie spread on his face by teammate Marcus Giles. His rookie campaign was highlighted by his spectacular offense and defense. Francoeur was 3rd among the Major Leagues in outfield assists, despite playing less than half the season. He also compiled 35 extra base hits, including 14 home runs. He finished 3rd in the National League Rookie of the Year voting, having the most second place votes.
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[edit] Career
Francoeur was a 2002 graduate of Parkview High School where he led Parkview to the Georgia State 5-A championship in baseball and was also a star football player at wide receiver and cornerback, leading his high school team to two undefeated seasons in 2000 and 2001, which included back to back state championships. In his senior year of high school, Francoeur pulled in an amazing 15 interceptions on defense, while catching 14 touchdown passes on offense. Francoeur turned down a full football scholarship at Clemson University to pursue a career in baseball, even though he had already signed a Letter of Intent. Francoeur also received interest from Mississippi and Notre Dame.
Francoeur hit .443 with 55 HR and 164 RBI during his high school career at Parkview.
In 2004 Francoeur was named the top prospect in the Braves organization by Baseball America. He was a member of the Carolina League regular season and postseason All-Star team. In 2005, he was selected to play in the Major League Baseball Futures game before getting called up by Atlanta.
Francoeur finished the 2005 season batting .300/.336/.549 in 67 games. Francoeur also tallied 14 home runs and 44 RBIs. During his rookie season he garnered a reputation as a free swinging fastball hitter, with his first walk not coming until his 128th plate appearance. On defense, Francoeur is known for having a strong, accurate arm. In 2005 he led all major league right fielders in assists, with 13. He has also become a hometown favorite among Braves fans.
His rookie campaign was highlighted by his spectacular offense and defense. Francoeur was 3rd among the Major Leagues in outfield assists, despite playing less than half the season. He also compiled 35 extra base hits, including 14 home runs. He hit a three-run homer in his first major-league game off Glendon Rusch of the Chicago Cubs on July 7, 2005, propelling the Braves to a 9-4 victory. He finished 3rd in the National League Rookie of the Year voting, having the most second place votes.
Francoeur had a workout regimen for the 2005 offseason which resulted in a gain of approximately 10 pounds of muscle. His plan was hamstrung when he acquired an infection near his eye from complications from his facial surgery in 2004. He was on a regimen of antibiotics for weeks to cure it.
Early in the 2006 season Jeff Francoeur signed on with Delta Air Lines to star in the company's new ad campaign, his first endorsement deal. (See Video)
Francoeur hit .260 with 29 homers and 103 RBIs in his first full season in the majors. On May 13, 2006, Francoeur hit a walk-off grand slam against the Washington Nationals, the first walk-off home run and first grand slam of his career. On Mother's Day, May 14, 2006, he was one of more than 50 hitters who brandished a pink bat to benefit the Breast Cancer Foundation.
In his second full season, Francoeur showed signs of maturity as a result of being much more patient at the plate. He finished the season batting .293 with 19 homers and 105 RBIs. As well as being an offensive weapon, Francoeur has shown much resiliency on the defensive side of the field, leading the league in outfield assists with 19 while earning his first career National League Gold Glove, joining teamate Andruw Jones. On July 14, 2007, Francoeur hit a walk-off single against the Pittsburgh Pirates giving them a 5-4 win and further enhancing his reputation as a clutch player.
When the 2006 season ended, Francoeur became just the fourth Brave to play in all 162 games of a season, joining Felix Millan, Dale Murphy and Andruw Jones. He accomplished the feat again in 2007.
On April 12, 2008 Francoeur went 3 for 5 against the Washington Nationals including 2 home runs and a career high 7 RBIs.
On May 22, 2008 Francoeur went 3 for 4 against the New York Mets breaking out of a slump by hitting a RBI triple, a RBI single, and a two run home run making him a double short of a cycle. On May 24th, Jeff hit his 2nd career walk-off home run off Diamondbacks reliever Chad Qualls. Francoeur briefly silenced his critics regarding his struggles in the clutch.
[edit] World Baseball Classic
Along with Braves teammate Chipper Jones, Francoeur played on the USA team in the first ever World Baseball Classic. In six at bats, he hit a double and scored a run.
[edit] Family
Francoeur comes from a family of teachers. His mother, Karen Francoeur, teaches math at Trickum Middle School in Lilburn, Georgia. Jeff's sister Heather teaches English and coaches the girls basketball team at St. Pius X Catholic School. His father David is retired and does educational consulting.
Francoeur and his wife, Catie McCoy Francoeur, were married on November 3, 2007.
[edit] Trivia
- On the strap of his left hand batting glove, Francoeur has the words "Joshua 1:9" written, referencing the Bible verse. That verse reads: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Francoeur is a vocal and outspoken born-again Christian.[1]
- Francoeur was ejected for the first time in his career on July 16, 2006. Coincidentally, he was ejected for the second time on July 16, 2007.
- Francoeur lived with teammate Brian McCann in Lawrenceville, Georgia for their first two years in the majors.
- On 2007 SportSouth "Big Braves Summer" promos, Francoeur has revealed that his profession of choice (were he not a baseball player) would be coaching high school football.
- Francoeur has his own fan club at Turner Field called "Francoeur's Franks."[1]
[edit] Awards
- 2007 National League Rawlings Gold Glove Award
[edit] References
[edit] External links
- Career statistics and player information from MLB, or ESPN, or Baseball-Reference, or The Baseball Cube
- Jeff Francoeur's Official Web site
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