Fightin’ Franco

There isn’t anything he wouldn’t have done for his teammates. That includes getting involved in a bench-clearing brawl and being ejected on John Franco Day, twenty-five years ago this afternoon.

Prior to the game vs. the Chicago Cubs, Franco was honored for picking up his 300th career save. A fight at home plate between Mets pitcher Pete Harnisch, who was batting and Chicago Cubs catcher Scott Servais.

Franco rushed in from the bullpen to join the fray.

“I got hit in the eye and got mad,” said John with a smile. “I started swinging at people and got ejected. When one of our guys was in trouble, I wanted to be there.”

With Franco not available for the late innings, three Mets pitchers gave up the tying runs but we held hold for an eventual 7–6 walk-off victory.

“I would have felt a little guilty if we had lost,” Franco said. “I’m just glad we got a win.”