cheaptrick77 Posted August 21, 2007 Share Posted August 21, 2007 http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/base...writethru.0313/ ROME, Ga. (AP) -Julio Franco arrived Thursday (August 16, 2007) at the latest stop on his Baseball odyssey - the Class A Rome Braves. With a smile on his face, he said he planned to "enjoy this to the max.'' A quarter century after his first game in the Major Leagues, the 48-year-old Franco was in Rome to play first base in a South Atlantic League game. He was 1-for-3 with a walk in a 5-0 victory over the Greenville Drive. "My goal while I'm here is to get some at-bats and contribute to the team any way I can,'' said Franco, who was designated for assignment by the Atlanta Braves two weeks ago. After clearing waivers, he agreed to a Minor League assignment. The former American League batting champ, who turns 49 on August 23rd, said he would stay with Rome for the next four days, and might join next week's road trip in Savannah. Franco's career has included eight Major League teams as well as stints in Mexico, Japan and Korea. He likely will rejoin Atlanta on Sept. 1 when the major league rosters are expanded. "It's an honor to have him here,'' Rome pitcher Cole Rohrbough said. "We can learn a lot just from watching him, and I'm going to try to do that as much as possible.'' Next to Franco, the oldest Rome player is Jorge Acosta, who turns 24 next month. Franco made his Major League debut in 1982 with the Philadelphia Phillies. He helped Atlanta win division titles from 2001-05, and signed a two-year deal with the Mets prior to the '06 season. He was released last month, the re-signed with the Braves and spent roughly two weeks with the team before being designated for assignment when Atlanta acquired Mark Teixeria. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveTV1 Posted August 21, 2007 Share Posted August 21, 2007 I support Julio Franco, in his love for the game. Some may say "He's too old", but he's been fun to watch. As Chico Escuela, how you say "Basebull, has been berry, berry guud to me". I think Julio, will be more of a coach, than a player. I say more power to him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TJC_fan Posted August 21, 2007 Share Posted August 21, 2007 I think that the Braves will call him back up when the roster opens up. He could still be a "situation" player for them down the stretch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shoelessjoelives Posted August 21, 2007 Share Posted August 21, 2007 .....until they call him up I guess when you are in Rome, you do as the Braves do :sorcerer: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cheaptrick77 Posted August 23, 2007 Author Share Posted August 23, 2007 HAPPY 49th BIRTHDAY TO JULIO FRANCO ! Julio will enjoy his 49th Birthday in Savannah, Georgia -- as his Class-A Rome Braves battle the Sand Gnats... :thumbsup: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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