John Franco’s New York Homecoming

By Jay Horwitz

Thirty-one years ago today we acquired an All-Star closer from the Cincinnati Reds. The Brooklyn born relief pitcher went on to accumulate 424 saves, the most by a left-handed pitcher, pitched over 1,000 innings and put himself in a position to hopefully be selected for the Baseball Hall of Fame.

For me stats don’t tell the true story of John Franco. His true legacy is his life long devotion to the community, his leadership after the 9/11 attacks and the public service announcements he has made during the current pandemic. That’s what fans should really remember about John Franco.