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John Anthony Franco (born September 17, 1960) is an American former professional baseball player.[1] He played in Major League Baseball as a left-handed relief pitcher between 1984 and 2005. Franco established himself as an All-Star player with the Cincinnati Reds before spending the majority of his career with the New York Mets. He ended his 21-year career with one final season with the Houston Astros.

Key Information

Franco's 1,119 career games pitched is a National League record, and ranks fourth in major league history. His 424 career saves ranks seventh all-time in major league history (ranking second when he retired), and remains the most by a left-hander. For 15 of his 21 seasons, he played for the New York Mets, serving as team captain in his final years with the team. Franco was inducted into the New York Mets Hall of Fame in 2012.[2]

Early life

[edit]

Franco, who is of Italian heritage, grew up in the Gravesend[3] section of Brooklyn. His father, Jim Franco, was a New York City Department of Sanitation worker who encouraged his son's baseball aspirations; Franco honored his father by wearing an orange Sanitation Department work-shirt under his jersey. John graduated from Lafayette High School in Brooklyn and St. John's University in Queens, where he pitched two no-hitters in his freshman year. In 1980, he played collegiate summer baseball with the Cotuit Kettleers of the Cape Cod Baseball League.[4]

Career

[edit]
John Franco at Citi Field in 2014.

Franco was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers on June 8, 1981, in the 5th round of the amateur draft. Before reaching the major leagues, he was traded to the Cincinnati Reds on May 9, 1983, with Brett Wise for Rafael Landestoy. Landestoy batted under .200 before retiring the following year while Franco was a star reliever for much of the next two decades. Franco debuted with the Reds on April 24, 1984. Franco was a traditional relief pitcher with a "90-mph fastball and a change-up that breaks away from a righthanded batter like a screwball."[5]

Throughout his six seasons with the Reds, Franco was a successful closer, winning the National League Rolaids Relief Man of the Year Award in 1988. He helped the Reds finish second four seasons in a row (1985–1988).

On December 6, 1989, at the age of 29, he was traded with Don Brown to the Mets for Randy Myers and Kip Gross. He remained with the Mets organization until the end of the 2004 season. During his time with the Mets, he won the Rolaids Relief Man of the Year Award in 1990, became team captain, and remained the closer until 1999, when he moved to a setup role for new closer Armando Benítez. He led the league in saves for the 1988, 1990, and 1994 seasons. He reached the postseason for the first time in 1999 and the World Series in 2000.

On May 11, 1996, in a game against the Chicago Cubs, the Mets held "John Franco Day" to celebrate his 300th career save. In the fifth inning, a brawl that cleared both benches and bullpens resulted in Franco being ejected from the game, along with eight other players.

Injuries caused Franco to miss the 2002 baseball season, but he made a successful recovery from surgery and returned in June 2003. He signed a one-year contract for the 2004 season. He finished with a 2-7 record with 36 strikeouts and a 5.28 ERA in 46 innings.

In January 2005, he was signed to a one-year deal with the Astros, at the age of 44, making him at that time the oldest active pitcher in Major League Baseball. He appeared in 33 games with one loss against his old club the Mets,[6] six holds and one blown save in 15 innings but his ERA was 7.20 after a rough May and June. In his final appearance on July 1, he allowed three runs on three hits while getting just two outs on six batters faced.[7] On July 1, 2005, Franco was designated for assignment, and he was subsequently released, which proved to be the end of his baseball career.

Personal life

[edit]

John married his high school sweetheart, Rose, whom he has known since he was 17.[5]

His son J.J. Franco, who was drafted by the Mets out of high school, attended Brown University, where he played as an infielder.[8] J.J. was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 2014 MLB draft and played with the Braves and Mets minor league systems through the 2018 season.[9] Franco's cousin, Scott Pagano, played minor league baseball.[10]

Throughout his career, Franco supplied tickets to members of the Bonanno crime family of the Italian-American Mafia and on one occasion Canadian organized crime figures, according to FBI documents made public in 2004. There was no suggestion that he committed any crimes but his behavior was a violation of Major League Baseball rules forbidding contact with known criminals.[11][12][13]

Media

[edit]

Franco appeared on the television show Pros vs. Joes during season three.

During an interview, he revealed that he threw a circle changeup which was often mistaken for a screwball.[14]

Honors

[edit]
Franco in a post-game ceremony following the final game at Shea Stadium

Franco was inducted into the Staten Island Sports Hall of Fame in 2008. He was also inducted into the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame in 2008.[15]

On March 29, 2009, Franco threw the ceremonial first pitch in the first game played on Citi Field, a Big East college game between St. John's (his alma mater) and Georgetown.

On June 3, 2012, in a ceremony at Citi Field, Franco was inducted into the New York Mets Hall of Fame.[16]

Career accomplishments

[edit]
  • Pitching record: 90-87
  • Saves: 424, fifth most in major league history behind, Mariano Rivera, Trevor Hoffman, Lee Smith and Francisco Rodríguez, and the most for any left-handed pitcher.
  • Strikeouts: 975
  • ERA: 2.89
  • Innings pitched: 1245+2⁄3
  • Games pitched: 1119
  • 4-time All-Star (1986, 1987, 1989, 1990)
  • 3-time NL Save Leader (1988, 1990, 1993)
  • Postseason record: 2-0, one save, 1.88 ERA in 15 postseason appearances
  • New York Mets 3rd team captain (2001–2004)

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

John Franco

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from Grokipedia
John Franco is an American former who played 21 seasons in (MLB) as a prominent left-handed relief specialist, amassing 424 career saves—the most by any left-handed in MLB history at the time of his retirement. Born on September 17, 1960, in , New York, Franco spent the bulk of his career with the from 1990 to 2004, where he set franchise records for saves (276) and appearances (695), while also playing for the (1984–1989) and Houston Astros (2005). Over 1,119 games—the third-most in MLB history as of 2015—he recorded a 90–87 win–loss record, a 2.89 (), and 975 strikeouts in 1,245⅔ , establishing himself as one of the league's premier closers during the and 1990s. Raised in the tough Marlboro Houses neighborhood of /Bensonhurst in , Franco was the son of sanitation worker James "Jim" Franco and homemaker Mary Franco, both of whom passed away by 1987. A lifelong fan who grew up attending games at , he excelled in baseball at Lafayette High School, graduating in 1978 with a standout 14–1 pitching record and averaging 17 strikeouts per game in his senior year. Franco then attended St. John's University in from 1979 to 1981, where as a freshman he pitched two no-hitters, and as a sophomore helped lead the Red Storm to the 1980 ; his college performance earned him selection by the in the fifth round (125th overall) of the 1981 MLB draft. Franco made his MLB debut on April 24, 1984, with the Reds, quickly emerging as a reliable before becoming their closer; his breakout 1988 season saw him lead the National League (NL) with 39 saves and win the . Traded to the Mets ahead of the 1990 season, he repeated as NL saves leader with 33 that year and earned his second , while also securing four selections (1986, 1987, 1989, 1990). He led the NL in saves once more (1994 with 30), contributed to the Mets' appearance with key postseason outings—including striking out —and received the 2001 for his character and contributions to baseball. After a brief stint with the Astros in 2005, Franco retired at age 44; he was inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame in 2012, the St. John's University Athletics Hall of Fame in 1998, and the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame in 2008. Post-retirement, he has served as a Mets ambassador, youth baseball instructor, and pitching coach for Team in the .

Early life

Childhood and family background

John Anthony Franco was born on September 17, 1960, in , New York, to Italian-American parents James "Jim" Franco and Mary (née Starace) Franco. The Franco family resided in the Marlboro Houses public housing project in the neighborhood of South , a working-class Italian-American community marked by tight-knit immigrant roots and everyday economic pressures. John grew up alongside his older brother James Jr. in this urban setting, where his father worked as a city for the Department of Sanitation, instilling values of hard work and resilience through his dedication to the job. The family's Catholic faith and Italian heritage shaped daily life, with Jim Franco, a lifelong baseball enthusiast who rooted for the before switching to the Mets, encouraging his sons' interest in the sport by sharing stories of local games and collecting discarded Borden's milk cartons to redeem for tickets to . Franco attended Lafayette High School in , located across from the Marlboro Houses, where the gritty urban environment of the —characterized by rising crime, racial tensions, and limited resources—tested the family's determination but also built a sense of toughness and community solidarity. Early exposure to baseball came through informal sandlot games in nearby parks like and the Parade Grounds, supported by his family's encouragement amid these challenges. This formative backdrop in Brooklyn's Italian-American enclaves laid the groundwork for Franco's passion for the game, leading him to pursue opportunities at St. John's University after high school.

Amateur and college baseball

John Franco began his baseball journey at Lafayette High School in Brooklyn, New York, where he emerged as a standout left-handed . As a senior in 1978, he compiled a 14-1 record while averaging 17 strikeouts per game, showcasing his potential despite his slight 5-foot-7, 140-pound frame, which initially deterred professional scouts from drafting him. His performances earned local recognition in the Bensonhurst community, reflecting the strong support from his roots. Franco continued his development at St. John's University from 1979 to 1981, where he became a key figure on the Red Storm baseball team. As a freshman in 1979, he pitched two no-hitters, one against and another against Siena College, contributing to the team's strong start. Over his three seasons, Franco posted an overall record of 15-4 with three saves and a 2.42 , while accumulating significant strikeouts that highlighted his command and effectiveness as a starter and reliever. In his sophomore year of 1980, he went 3-2 with a 3.03 and one save, helping St. John's advance to the . His junior season in 1981 was particularly dominant, finishing 5-1 with a 2.22 and one save, leading the team to the NCAA for the third consecutive year. During the summer of 1980, Franco gained valuable experience playing collegiate summer baseball with the of the prestigious , where he roomed with future teammate and further refined his skills against top amateur talent. His college career culminated in the 1981 MLB Draft, when the selected him in the fifth round (125th overall) out of St. John's, signaling the transition from his amateur phase to professional baseball.

Professional career

Cincinnati Reds era

John Franco was acquired by the Cincinnati Reds on May 9, 1983, when the team traded infielder Rafael Landestoy to the for Franco and pitcher Brett Wise, following Franco's two seasons in the Dodgers' system where he had posted a 10-12 record as a starter. Upon joining the Reds organization, Franco transitioned from a starting role in the minors to a reliever, a move that unlocked his potential in the and defined his early professional career. Franco made his debut on April 24, 1984, against the at , pitching one scoreless inning in during a 7-6 Reds loss. In his rookie season, he appeared in 54 games exclusively out of the , recording a 6-2 record, four saves, and a 2.61 over 79.1 , establishing himself as a reliable middle reliever. By his first full season in 1985, Franco had solidified his role as a , appearing in a league-high 67 games with a 12-3 record, 12 saves, and a 2.18 across 99 , helping to bridge the gap to the closer while showcasing his command and durability. Franco's role continued to evolve into that of a primary late-inning option through 1986 and 1987, where he notched 29 and 32 saves, respectively, with ERAs of 2.94 and 2.52, contributing to the Reds' bullpen stability during those campaigns. His breakout came in 1988, when he emerged as the National League's premier closer, leading the league with 39 saves in 70 appearances, posting a 1.57 ERA, and earning the as the top reliever in the NL. Over his first five seasons with the Reds from 1984 to 1988, Franco made 333 relief appearances, compiling a 38-22 record, 116 saves, and a 2.31 ERA in 447.1 innings, during which his conversion to a full-time reliever transformed him from a middling minor league prospect into one of the league's most effective left-handed firemen.
YearGames (G)Wins-Losses (W-L)Saves (SV)ERAInnings Pitched (IP)
1984546-242.6179.1
19856712-3122.1899.0
1986746-6292.94101.0
1987688-5322.5282.0
1988706-6391.5786.0
Total33338-221162.31447.1

New York Mets tenure

John Franco was acquired by the from the on December 6, 1989, in a trade that sent reliever and pitcher Kip Gross to in exchange for Franco and minor leaguer Don Brown. Upon joining the Mets, Franco immediately assumed the role of the team's primary closer, a position he held for much of his tenure, leveraging his experience from leading the National League in saves in 1988 with the Reds. In his first season with the Mets in 1990, Franco recorded 33 saves and a 2.53 over 55 appearances, earning the as the top reliever in the National League. He also made his fourth All-Star appearance that year, selected as a National League reliever. Franco's performance peaked again in the strike-shortened season, where he led the NL with 30 saves in 47 games despite the season lasting only 115 games, while posting a 2.70 and helping the Mets to a 55-41 record before the work stoppage. Franco's leadership became prominent when he was named the Mets' team captain in May 2001, a role he held through 2004, making him only the third player in franchise history to receive the honor after and . At age 40 that year, he contributed steadily in 58 relief outings with a 4.05 ERA, serving primarily as a after yielding the closer role to Armando Benítez. Franco played key roles in the Mets' postseason runs, including the 1999 and the , where he appeared in four games, earned a win in Game 3 against the New York Yankees, and struck out looking to secure a crucial save in the NLDS against the Giants. Over his 15 seasons with the Mets from 1990 to 2004, Franco made 695 appearances, recorded 276 saves (a franchise record), and maintained a 2.99 ERA. Notable moments included surpassing Jesse Orosco's Mets saves record with his 108th save on July 16, 1994, and his close camaraderie with teammates like , with whom he shared the during the early and offered support amid Gooden's personal challenges.

Later career and retirement

After departing the New York Mets as a following the 2004 season, Franco signed a one-year, $700,000 contract with the Houston Astros in January 2005, aiming to extend his career as a at age 44. His family, including his wife and son, encouraged the decision, as they did not want him to retire immediately. Franco appeared in 31 games for the Astros over the first half of the 2005 season, pitching 15 innings with a 7.20 , allowing 23 hits and nine walks while recording zero saves. On July 2, 2005, the Astros designated him for assignment to make room for younger pitchers, and after clearing waivers, he became a . No other teams expressed interest by his self-imposed deadline of July 31, leading him to end his playing days. Franco's retirement was influenced by his declining performance, the physical demands of pitching into his mid-40s, and the lack of further opportunities, though he reflected on a fulfilling 21-year career marked by his tenure as Mets captain. At the time of his retirement, he held the National League record with 1,119 games pitched and ranked fourth all-time in saves with 424, finishing his career with a 90-87 record and a 2.89 over 1,245.2 innings.

Playing style and records

Pitching repertoire and mechanics

John Franco's pitching arsenal was anchored by his signature changeup, a devastating off-speed pitch that mimicked the movement of a screwball due to its sharp break away from right-handed batters. Thrown with a circle grip, this pitch typically sat in the high 70s to low 80s mph and was renowned for dropping below the , inducing chases and weak contact. Complementing it was a that reached the low 90s mph in his early career but settled into the mid-80s as he aged, prioritizing location over raw velocity. Franco also employed a for breaking action against both left- and right-handed hitters, along with an occasional to vary his offerings, creating a deceptive mix that kept batters off-balance. His mechanics featured a fluid, compact delivery that emphasized quick arm action and balance, allowing for repeatable precision from his 5-foot-10 frame. As a left-hander, Franco's low three-quarters arm slot generated natural deception, particularly against right-handed batters, by hiding the ball longer and accentuating the changeup's arm-side run. This approach focused on control—evidenced by his career 2.89 and 1.33 —rather than overpowering velocity, enabling him to nibble at the edges of the zone and limit hard contact. Franco's style evolved significantly from his days as a starting pitcher at St. John's University, where arm troubles forced him to abandon a power-pitching approach reliant on velocity. In the minors with the Dodgers organization, he refined his changeup under guidance from coaches, transforming it into his primary weapon and shifting to a relief role that suited his control-oriented mechanics. This adaptation proved ideal for closing, as the changeup induced ground balls at a 54.4% career rate, promoting double plays and minimizing home runs. Compared to contemporaries like Lee Smith, another durable right-handed closer with over 400 saves, Franco's left-handed deception and emphasis on off-speed pitches highlighted his longevity, appearing in 1,119 games across 21 seasons with remarkably few injuries.

Statistical achievements and milestones

John Franco's 21-season career as a was marked by exceptional durability and effectiveness, culminating in a 90-87 win-loss record, a 2.89 (ERA), and 975 strikeouts over 1,245.2 in 1,119 appearances. His 424 saves rank seventh all-time and remain the most by any left-handed pitcher in MLB history. At the time of his retirement in , Franco's appearance total ranked second in MLB history, reflecting his role in the evolving specialization of usage during the late , where like him became fixtures in late-inning scenarios. Key milestones underscored Franco's longevity and consistency. He became the first left-handed pitcher to reach 300 saves on April 29, 1996, while with the New York Mets, securing the mark in a 3-2 victory over the Montreal Expos. Three years later, on April 14, 1999, Franco recorded his 400th save against the Cubs, making him only the second pitcher in MLB history to achieve the feat, behind Lee Smith. With the Mets, his 695 appearances set a franchise record, including a National League record for games pitched by a left-hander. Franco's 1994 season represented one of his finest campaigns, leading the National League with 30 saves in 47 appearances despite the strike-shortened year. He posted a 2.70 over 50 innings, allowing just 15 earned runs while striking out 42 batters, contributing to the Mets' competitive effort amid a transitional period. This performance placed him among the era's top relievers, comparable to contemporaries like in terms of reliability, though Franco's save totals and workload highlighted his prominence as a left-handed closer before Rivera's dominance in the late . Advanced metrics further illustrate Franco's impact, with a career Wins Above Replacement (WAR) of 23.4 according to Baseball-Reference, reflecting his value in high-leverage situations over two decades. His contributions helped solidify the modern closer archetype, emphasizing ninth-inning specialization and consistent save opportunities in an era when strategies increasingly prioritized dedicated finishers.
StatisticCareer Total
Games Pitched1,119
Wins-Losses90-87
2.89
Saves424
Strikeouts975
1,245.2
WAR23.4

Awards and honors

In-season and postseason awards

Franco was selected to four Games as a member of the National League roster, appearing in the midsummer classic in 1986, 1987, 1989, and 1990. His selections highlighted his emergence as one of the league's top pitchers, with standout performances including a scoreless in the 1986 game at the . He won the , which recognized the most effective reliever in each league based on , wins, and saves, twice during his career—once in 1988 with the after posting a 1.57 and 39 saves in 70 appearances, and again in 1990 with the following a 2.53 and 33 saves in 67 outings. The 1990 honor also earned him the National League Rolaids Reliever of the Year designation. Franco topped the National League in saves on three occasions: 39 in 1988, 33 in 1990, and 30 in 1994 amid a strike-shortened season. These led the league efforts underscored his reliability in high-leverage situations, contributing to a career total of 424 saves that ranked among the all-time leaders and stood as the record for left-handed pitchers. In 2001, Franco received the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award, which honors the player who best exemplifies the character and integrity of the late Hall of Famer Lou Gehrig. In postseason play, Franco earned honors through his relief efforts during the Mets' 1999 and 2000 playoff appearances, compiling a 2-0 record with a 1.88 ERA, 10 strikeouts, and one save over 14.1 innings in 15 games. He delivered key relief outings in the 1999 NLCS against the Atlanta Braves, including a scoreless ninth inning in Game 5 to preserve a Mets victory despite a blown save in Game 6, helping propel New York to its first National League pennant in 13 years. During the 2000 World Series run, Franco secured a critical save in Game 2 of the NLDS versus the San Francisco Giants and contributed a win with 3.1 scoreless innings across four World Series appearances against the New York Yankees.

Hall of Fame and legacy recognitions

John Franco's induction into the Hall of Fame on June 3, 2012, at recognized his 14 seasons with the team, during which he established himself as the franchise's all-time saves leader with 276. The ceremony, held before a game against the St. Louis Cardinals, highlighted his role as a four-time and team captain, with Franco delivering a speech emphasizing his deep ties to the organization and . Earlier, on March 29, 2009, Franco threw the in the inaugural baseball game at , a college matchup between St. John's University and Georgetown, marking a symbolic homecoming for the Brooklyn native and Mets legend as the stadium opened to fans. In 2008, Franco was inducted into the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame, honoring his achievements as a prominent Italian-American athlete from Brooklyn's Houses, where he grew up playing stickball before rising to MLB stardom. That same year, the Sports Hall of Fame enshrined him for his local roots and contributions to baseball, noting his progression from Lafayette High School—where he helped win a PSAL City Championship—to a 21-year major league career. Franco was inducted into the St. John's University Athletics Hall of Fame in 1998. These honors underscored Franco's embodiment of Italian-American pride in sports, including his service as a pitching coach for in international competitions. As of 2025, ongoing discussions advocate for Franco's inclusion in the National Baseball Hall of Fame through the Veterans Committee, citing his all-time record of 424 saves—third-most in MLB history at the time of his retirement—and his longevity as a left-handed closer who appeared in 1,119 games over two decades. Proponents highlight his three National League saves titles and consistent sub-3.00 seasons, arguing that evolving standards for relievers, as seen in recent inductions like , bolster his case despite his 15.3% vote share in BBWAA balloting from 2011 to 2016. Franco's legacy as a Mets icon endures through his 2001 designation as the team's third captain, a rare honor shared only with and , reflecting his leadership during pivotal seasons like the run. His mastery of the sinker and , combined with pinpoint control that limited walks to a career 2.6 per nine innings, influenced the archetype of durable, ground-ball-inducing closers in subsequent generations, as evidenced by his ranking among the top relievers in historical comparisons of save conversion rates and .

Post-retirement activities

Role with the New York Mets

Following his retirement from in 2005, John Franco assumed an official role with the as a club ambassador starting in 2010, representing the organization at various events and engaging with fans and alumni. In 2019, the Mets expanded his responsibilities to include serving as a baseball operations advisor, where he assists with prospective players and provides mentorship to current team members, leveraging his expertise as the franchise's all-time leader in saves and appearances. These duties allow Franco to foster connections between the organization's storied past and its present, including informal guidance on relief pitching dynamics drawn from his 14 seasons closing games for the Mets. Franco actively participates in Mets alumni initiatives, such as guest instructing at camps and joining ceremonial first pitches, while also contributing to youth development clinics that emphasize fundamentals and mental preparation for aspiring pitchers. A notable example occurred on September 15, 2025, when he led a "Chatting Practice" session at , discussing career highlights, pitching mechanics, and the evolving role of relievers in modern with attendees. His involvement extends to collaborative alumni games, where he reunites with former teammates to celebrate Mets and inspire the next generation. Beyond events, Franco bolsters team culture through targeted contributions, such as sharing insights on management strategies during organizational discussions and offering perspectives on the Mets' seasonal outlook, helping to bridge generational knowledge in the pitching staff. His 2012 induction into the Mets Hall of Fame has amplified these efforts, positioning him as a revered figure whose counsel carries significant weight in sustaining the franchise's traditions.

Media appearances and public engagements

Following his retirement from in 2005, John Franco has maintained a visible public profile through various media appearances that highlight his expertise as a former closer. In 2008, he participated as a guest professional on the third season of the Spike TV reality series , where amateur contestants attempted to match the skills of retired athletes, including Franco's challenge involving bunting against his pitching. During the episode, Franco discussed his pitching mechanics, revealing that his signature was a often mistaken by observers for a due to its sharp movement. Franco has continued to engage in podcast discussions focused on pitching techniques and his career highlights. On the November 27, 2024, episode of the Club 30 hosted by , he reflected on his 21-season MLB tenure, the dynamics of the 2024 New York Mets playoff run, and the evolution of relief pitching strategies. In early 2025 interviews, Franco addressed contemporary Mets topics, including Francisco Lindor's leadership qualities and his own Hall of Fame candidacy; on February 19, he advocated for Lindor to be named team captain, citing the shortstop's on-field presence and clubhouse influence as akin to past Mets leaders. He reiterated support for Lindor's captaincy on February 25, emphasizing the role's importance in fostering team unity. Public engagements have included hands-on baseball clinics and autograph sessions that connect Franco with fans and young players. He has hosted clinics emphasizing fundamentals like grip and mechanics, drawing on his experience to mentor participants in settings open to ages eight and older. Autograph events, such as a January 2024 signing promoted through fan networks, allow collectors to obtain personalized items from the four-time . In September 2025, Franco shared an Instagram post about attending a Mets gathering, describing it as a "great day catching up with all my former teammates and Mets ," underscoring his ongoing ties to the community. Franco's broadcasting contributions extend his legacy beyond the field, with guest spots on national programs. On April 9, 2025, he appeared on MLB Network's MLB Now alongside St. John's coach , discussing New York baseball trends and the Mets' season outlook from . Endorsements linked to his career have supplemented his post-retirement income, leveraging his status as the all-time leader in left-handed saves through partnerships in the New York market. These activities, often stemming from his ambassadorial connections, keep Franco active in public discourse on .

Personal life

Family and residences

John Franco married his high school sweetheart, Rose Morrone, in 1987 after meeting her at a discotheque when he was 17 and she was 15. The couple has three children: daughters Nicole, born on May 18, 1988, and Ella Grace, born on August 16, 2004; and son John James (J.J.), born on February 2, 1992. J.J. followed in his father's footsteps by playing at and later signing as an undrafted free agent with the in 2014, appearing in minor league systems for the Braves and affiliates from 2014 to 2018, primarily as a . Following his retirement from in 2005, Franco and his family relocated from their longtime mansion in —purchased in the late 1990s and sold in 2012—to a residence in downtown , where they continue to live. Franco has actively supported J.J.'s career, with the family attending his games and events together during his tenure. In 2004, a federal investigation into the revealed that Franco had provided complimentary tickets to Mets games and clubhouse access to several family associates in the early 1990s, prompting scrutiny from ; however, no charges were filed against Franco, and he cooperated fully with authorities. As of 2025, the Franco family remains close-knit, with ongoing public expressions of their bond through family milestones, such as Nicole's wedding in 2021, and no major reported changes in their dynamics. Franco's decision to retire was significantly influenced by a desire to prioritize time with Rose and their young children.

Philanthropy and interests

Franco has demonstrated a strong commitment to philanthropy through his involvement with the Amazin' Mets Foundation, where he has attended key fundraisers such as the 2022 Homeruns & Highballs event to support grants exceeding $2 million for community youth programs. He has also participated in MetsGiving initiatives, including a 2024 effort that set a record for food donations to New York pantries, personally driving awareness and contributions to combat hunger in urban communities. Additionally, Franco founded Franco's All-Star Baseball Camp, a multi-week program that has taught fundamentals to young players in the area for over two decades, emphasizing skill development and access to the sport. In recognition of his efforts to preserve Italian American heritage, Franco received a 2011 New York State legislative resolution honoring his contributions to cultural initiatives tied to his Brooklyn roots. He has hosted events for the Italian American Baseball Foundation, including its annual cigar dinner in 2024, to promote the legacy of in the sport and foster community engagement. His dedication earned him induction into the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame in 2008. Franco continues to support athletics at his , St. John's University, where he is a member of the Athletics Hall of Fame and the namesake of the John Franco Scholarship Fund aiding student-athletes. In 2025, he joined head coach for on-field ceremonies at honoring the St. John's men's basketball team's successful season, highlighting his ongoing advocacy for university sports programs. Beyond , Franco advocates for greater access in urban areas, co-founding the Borough Cup in 2014—a 14-and-under across New York City's five boroughs to revive the game in neighborhoods like his native . He has organized clinics and summits, such as the 2015 Brooklyn Summit, to expose inner-city youth to professional coaching and opportunities, drawing on his own experiences growing up in the borough. Franco's community work in extends to post-9/11 efforts, where he facilitated player visits to support children affected by the tragedy.

References

  1. https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/john-franco/
  2. https://www.mlb.com/player/john-franco-114374
  3. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/f/francjo01.shtml
  4. https://nypost.com/2000/10/09/francos-dad-close-to-heart/
  5. https://www.stjohns.edu/news-media/success-stories/new-york-mets-hall-famer-recalls-outstanding-career-began-st-johns
  6. https://vault.si.com/vault/1989/05/15/a-hometown-hero-reliever-john-franco-eats-up-batters-for-cincinnati-but-his-heart-and-stomach-belong-to-brooklyn
  7. https://redstormsports.com/galleries/general/st-johns-athletics-virtual-hall-of-fame/john-franco-john-franco-baseba/1441/103534
  8. https://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/trades.php?p=francjo01
  9. https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Rolaids_Relief_Award
  10. https://www.nytimes.com/1989/12/07/sports/mets-give-a-stunned-myers-to-reds-for-franco.html
  11. https://www.nytimes.com/1990/10/06/sports/sports-people-baseball-honoring-top-relievers.html
  12. https://www.mlb.com/news/2000-world-series-recap
  13. https://www.nytimes.com/1994/06/29/sports/baseball-little-sympathy-for-gooden-from-green.html
  14. https://nypost.com/2005/01/24/franco-joins-astros/
  15. https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/john-franco
  16. https://www.nytimes.com/2001/02/16/sports/baseball-paying-the-price-pays-off-for-franco.html
  17. https://www.chicagotribune.com/1999/04/29/saving-grace-mets-franco-closing-in-on-lee-smiths-record/
  18. https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/John_Franco
  19. https://www.baseball-reference.com/leaders/SV_career.shtml
  20. https://www.mlb.com/news/john-franco-to-be-inducted-into-mets-hall-of-fame-on-sunday-june-3/c-26475922
  21. https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/1994-pitching-leaders.shtml
  22. https://www.mlb.com/news/players-with-the-most-saves-in-mlb-history
  23. https://sabr.org/gamesproj/game/october-5-2000-john-franco-saves-the-day-mets-even-division-series-vs-giants
  24. https://www.stjohns.edu/news-media/news/2012-06-04/st-johns-alumnus-john-franco-inducted-ny-mets-hall-fame
  25. https://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/30/sports/baseball/30vecsey.html
  26. https://niashf.org/2008-niashf-inductees/
  27. https://www.sisportshalloffame.org/inductee/
  28. https://metsinsider.mlblogs.com/could-john-franco-find-his-way-to-cooperstown-53f554c03cd1
  29. https://sabr.org/journal/article/more-relief-pitchers-belong-in-the-hall-of-fame-which-ones/
  30. https://metsmerizedonline.com/mmo-exclusive-franchise-saves-leader-john-franco/
  31. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0497304/episodes/?season=3
  32. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aR3ZTBi7z7w
  33. https://shows.acast.com/club-30tm-with-henrik-lundqvist/episodes/club30-john-franco
  34. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRSlQ0kpJiQ
  35. https://www.si.com/mlb/mets/news/john-franco-on-why-the-mets-should-name-francisco-lindor-their-next-team-captain-logan9
  36. https://nypost.com/2015/01/08/john-franco-on-possible-coaching-future-and-growing-nyc-youth-ball/
  37. https://www.instagram.com/p/C2atbmtPmL9/
  38. https://www.instagram.com/p/DOkRspGDSjf/
  39. https://www.mlb.com/mets/video/john-franco-rick-pitino-join-mlb-now
  40. https://misstechy.com/john-franco-net-worth/
  41. https://www.thebaseballcube.com/content/player/156669/
  42. https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=franco003joh
  43. https://www.milb.com/player/j-j-franco-595210
  44. https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/john-franco-having-an-estate-sale-moving-to-manhattan/
  45. https://www.truepeoplesearch.com/find/person/p8lur8444nln6nulrl86
  46. https://www.nydailynews.com/2012/06/03/john-franco-from-st-johns-to-the-ny-mets-hall-of-fame-reliever-is-a-city-legend/
  47. https://www.nytimes.com/2004/10/29/sports/baseball/mobster-told-fbi-franco-gave-him-tickets.html
  48. https://www.nytimes.com/2004/10/30/sports/baseball/baseball-expected-to-query-franco-on-crime-figures.html
  49. https://www.instagram.com/p/CTTSfhRIhyW/?hl=en
  50. https://www.nydailynews.com/2010/12/18/for-john-franco-one-of-the-greatest-relievers-in-mets-history-life-is-still-spinning/
  51. https://www.3blmedia.com/news/amazin-mets-foundation-hosts-second-annual-homeruns-highballs-fundraiser
  52. https://www.mlb.com/news/mets-food-bank-record-donation-2024
  53. https://legislation.nysenate.gov/pdf/bills/2011/J5102
  54. https://iabf.foundation/news/
  55. https://www.stjohns.edu/st-johns-university-alumni-friends/ways-contribute/where-give
  56. https://redstormsports.com/news/2025/4/7/mens-basketball-st-johns-mens-basketball-team-to-be-honored-by-new-york-mets-on-wednesday
  57. https://metsinsider.mlblogs.com/11-things-you-probably-didnt-know-about-john-franco-621a808553d4
  58. https://patch.com/new-york/parkslope/brooklyn-baseball-summit-promises-grow-game-nyc
  59. https://www.nydailynews.com/2021/09/06/former-mets-pitcher-john-franco-recalls-how-baseball-lifted-nyc-after-911/
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