Jeff Francoeur
| Jeff Francoeur | |
|---|---|
 Francoeur, playing with the Braves in 2007 | |
| Atlanta Braves – No. 7 | |
| Right fielder | |
Bats: Right Throws: Right | |
| debut | |
| July 7, 2005, for the Atlanta Braves | |
| Career statistics (through September 6, 2007) | |
| Avg | .279 |
| RBI | 234 |
| HR | 59 |
| Stats at Baseball Reference | |
| Teams | |
| |
Jeffrey ("Jeff") Braden Francoeur (born January 8, 1984 in Atlanta, 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. 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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
Family
Francoeur comes from a family of teachers. His mother, Karen Francoeur, teaches 7th grade gifted math at Trickum Middle School in Lilburn, Georgia. His brother DJ is the assistant freshman baseball coach at Parkview High School. Jeff's sister Heather teaches English and coaches the girls basketball team at St. Pius X Catholic School. His father David works as a human resource officer in DeKalb County, Georgia.
Francoeur became engaged to longtime girlfriend, Catie McCoy, on Sunday, September 10th, 2006. Francoeur has known his fiancé since the third grade.[1][2].
Trivia
- On the strap of his left hand batting glove, Francoeur has the words "Joshua 1:9" written, obviously 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.[3]
- 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 no longer lives with teammate Brian McCann in Lawrenceville, Georgia. He moved into his own home in late 2006.
- On 2007 SportSouth "Big Braves Summer" promos, Francoeur has revealed that: the food he despises most is spinach, and his profession of choice (were he not a baseball player) would be coaching high school football.