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Ben Francisco

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Ben Francisco
Francisco with the Rays in 2012
Outfielder
Born: (1981-10-23) October 23, 1981 (age 43)
Santa Ana, California, U.S.
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
MLB debut
May 1, 2007, for the Cleveland Indians
Last MLB appearance
May 17, 2013, for the New York Yankees
MLB statistics
Batting average.253
Home runs50
Runs batted in190
Teams

Louis Benjamin Francisco (born October 23, 1981), is an American former professional baseball outfielder, who is currently a major league scout for the Los Angeles Angels. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Cleveland Indians, Philadelphia Phillies, Toronto Blue Jays, Houston Astros, Tampa Bay Rays, and New York Yankees.[1]

Early life

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Francisco is a 1999 graduate of Servite High School, a Roman Catholic high school for boys, in Anaheim, California where he played on the same baseball team as former Indians teammate Ryan Garko. He later attended and played baseball at Cypress Junior College in 2000 and went on to play at the University of California, Los Angeles in 2001 through 2003.

Professional career

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Francisco during his tenure with the Cleveland Indians in 2008.

Cleveland Indians

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Francisco was selected by the Cleveland Indians in the fifth round (154th overall) of the 2002 Major League Baseball Draft.[2] He was called up from the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons on May 1, 2007,[3] and made his major league debut that night as a late-game defensive replacement.[4] On June 29, Francisco got his first hit and his first home run in his first major league start. His home run came leading off the bottom of the ninth inning, helping the Indians to a 2–1, walk-off win over the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.[5] Francisco played in 25 games with Cleveland during the 2007 season, batting .278 with three home runs and 12 RBI.[1]

Though Francisco had a strong performance during spring training in 2008 (.362 average, three home runs, 9 RBI, .617 slugging percentage), he was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo on March 27.[6] Francisco was recalled on April 22 when Jake Westbrook was placed on the disabled list.[7] After a two-game stint, he was optioned back to Buffalo, and recalled again on May 6.[8] On June 5 against the Texas Rangers, Francisco became the fourth Indians rookie since 1948 to record five hits in a game, and the first since Tommy Hinzo in 1987.[9] Francisco ultimately finished the season batting .266 with 15 home runs and 54 RBI in 121 games.[1]

Francisco began the 2009 season with a .250 batting average, 10 home runs and 33 RBI in 89 games with Cleveland.[1]

Philadelphia Phillies

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On July 29, 2009, Francisco was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies along with reigning Cy Young Award winner Cliff Lee, for a selection of top minor league prospects including Carlos Carrasco, Jason Donald, Lou Marson, and Jason Knapp.[10] He spent the remainder of 2009 as a reserve outfielder and pinch hitter with the Phillies, playing in 37 games and hitting .278 with five home runs and 13 RBI.[1] Francisco also saw time during Philadelphia's postseason run, going hitless in 11 at bats while recording one walk in 11 games.[1]

In his first full season in Philadelphia, Francisco batted .268 with six home runs and 28 RBI in 88 games.[1] He recorded his first career postseason hit and run scored in the 2010 National League Championship Series, which ended in a series loss to the San Francisco Giants.[1]

On January 15, 2011, Francisco signed a one-year, $1.175 million contract with the Phillies, avoiding arbitration.[11] Following the departure of starting right fielder Jayson Werth, Francisco earned a regular spot in the Phillies' starting lineup at the onset of the 2011 season. By midseason, however, Francisco returned to his reserve role.[12] He batted .244 with six home runs and 34 RBI in 100 games.[1]

Though limited in play during the second half of the year, Francisco had a clutch performance in Game 3 of the 2011 National League Division Series against the St. Louis Cardinals. In a scoreless game, with Shane Victorino on second, the Cardinals elected to intentionally walk Carlos Ruiz in order to face Francisco. After nearly hitting a home run against Jaime Garcia a few weeks earlier, Francisco blasted a 405-foot home run into the Phillies' bullpen. Francisco's home run ended up being the deciding factor as the Phillies defeated the Cardinals 3–2.[13] The Phillies would go on to lose the series to the Cardinals in five games.[14]

Toronto Blue Jays

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On December 12, 2011, Francisco was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for minor leaguer Frank Gailey.[15][16]

Houston Astros

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On July 20, 2012, the Blue Jays traded Francisco, Francisco Cordero, Asher Wojciechowski, David Rollins, Joe Musgrove, Carlos Pérez, and a player to be named later (Kevin Comer)[17] to the Houston Astros for J. A. Happ, Brandon Lyon, and David Carpenter.[18][17][19]

Tampa Bay Rays

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On August 31, 2012, the Tampa Bay Rays acquired Francisco for a player to be named later.[20] He finished the 2012 season hitting a combined .240 with four home runs and 15 RBI in 82 games with Toronto, Houston and Tampa Bay.[1]

Return to Indians

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On January 21, 2013, Francisco signed a minor league deal with the Cleveland Indians.[21] The Indians released him on March 11.[22]

New York Yankees

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On March 11, 2013, Francisco signed a minor league deal with the New York Yankees.[23] He was added to the Yankees' Opening Day roster.[24] He was used as the designated hitter against left-handed pitchers but struggled drastically batting .103 in the month of April.[25] Francisco was designated for assignment on May 26,[26] and was released from the team on June 3, 2013.[27] He hit .114 with four runs scored, a home run and RBI in 21 games.[1]

Lancaster Barnstormers

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On June 8, 2014, Francisco signed with the Lancaster Barnstormers of the Atlantic League. He was active for the Barnstormers next game the following day against the Camden Riversharks.[28] In 57 games he hit .242/.303/.390 with 6 home runs, 27 RBIs and 4 stolen bases.

Arizona Diamondbacks

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On December 15, 2014, Francisco signed a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks.[29] On March 15, 2015, he was released by the Diamondbacks.[30]

Rieleros de Aguascalientes

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On May 8, 2015, Francisco signed with the Rieleros de Aguascalientes of the Mexican Baseball League. He was released on May 24, 2015. In 14 games he hit .244/.346/.267 with 0 home runs and 5 RBIs.

Post-playing career

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In 2016, Francisco was hired by the Los Angeles Angels as a scout.

In 2022, Francisco was inducted into the Buffalo Baseball Hall of Fame, in recognition of his three seasons with the Buffalo Bisons.[31]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Ben Francisco Stats". Baseball Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 26, 2019.
  2. ^ "Ben Francisco Baseball Statistics". The Baseball Cube. Retrieved July 2, 2007.
  3. ^ Castrovince, Anthony (May 1, 2007). "Tribe sends Carmona to Triple-A". Cleveland Indians. MLB.com. Archived from the original on July 23, 2011. Retrieved July 2, 2007.
  4. ^ "Toronto Blue Jays vs Cleveland Indians Box Score: May 1, 2007". Baseball Reference. May 1, 2007. Retrieved September 21, 2024.
  5. ^ Castrovince, Anthony (June 29, 2007). "Francisco's first homer lifts Indians". Cleveland Indians. MLB.com. Archived from the original on July 3, 2007. Retrieved September 21, 2024.
  6. ^ Castrovince, Anthony (March 27, 2008). "Outfielder Francisco optioned to Buffalo". MLB.com. MLB Advanced Media. Archived from the original on March 28, 2008. Retrieved September 21, 2024.
  7. ^ Castrovince, Anthony (April 22, 2008). "Indians lose Westbrook to injury, DL". Cleveland Indians. MLB.com. Archived from the original on April 23, 2008. Retrieved September 21, 2024.
  8. ^ Castrovince, Anthony (May 6, 2008). "Larger role greets Francisco". Cleveland Indians. MLB.com. Archived from the original on May 10, 2008. Retrieved September 21, 2024.
  9. ^ Castrovince, Anthony (June 5, 2008). "Francisco may be answer in No. 2 hole". Cleveland Indians. MLB.com. Archived from the original on June 9, 2008. Retrieved September 21, 2024.
  10. ^ Castrovince, Anthony (July 29, 2009). "Lee, Francisco traded to Phillies". MLB.com. MLB Advanced Media. Archived from the original on November 7, 2012.
  11. ^ "Phillies, Francisco avoid arbitration". Philadelphia Phillies. MLB.com. January 15, 2011. Archived from the original on February 29, 2012. Retrieved September 21, 2024.
  12. ^ "Ben Francisco 2011 Batting Game Logs". Baseball Reference. Retrieved September 21, 2024.
  13. ^ Stark, Jayson (October 4, 2011). "Stark: A stunner in St. Louis". ESPN. Retrieved September 21, 2024.
  14. ^ "2011 NL Division Series - St. Louis Cardinals over Philadelphia Phillies (3-2)". Baseball Reference. Retrieved September 21, 2024.
  15. ^ Zolecki, Todd (December 12, 2011). "Phils deal Francisco for Minor League reliever". Philadelphia Phillies. MLB.com. Archived from the original on January 8, 2012. Retrieved September 21, 2024.
  16. ^ Baasch, Ryan (December 12, 2011). "Toronto Blue Jays Acquire Outfielder Ben Francisco". Blue Jays 101. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved June 11, 2019.
  17. ^ a b Chisholm, Gregor (August 16, 2012). "Blue Jays send Comer to Astros to complete swap". Toronto Blue Jays. MLB.com. Archived from the original on August 30, 2016. Retrieved August 16, 2012.
  18. ^ "Astros make 10 player trade with Toronto". Houston Astros. MLB.com. July 20, 2012. Archived from the original on December 13, 2019. Retrieved July 20, 2012.
  19. ^ Zangaro, Dave (August 17, 2012). "Blue Jays trade Comer to Astros". Burlington County Times. Archived from the original on June 23, 2018. Retrieved November 28, 2017.
  20. ^ "Rays acquire outfielder Ben Francisco from Astros". Tampa Bay Rays. MLB.com. August 31, 2012. Retrieved September 21, 2024.
  21. ^ "Indians sign a pair of players; INF/OF Ryan Raburn & OF Ben Francisco". MLB.com. MLB Advanced Media. January 21, 2013. Retrieved September 21, 2024.
  22. ^ Nicholson-Smith, Ben (March 11, 2013). "Indians Release Ben Francisco". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved September 21, 2024.
  23. ^ "Yankees sign outfielder Ben Francisco". New York Yankees. MLB.com. March 11, 2013. Retrieved September 21, 2013.
  24. ^ Axisa, Mike (March 31, 2013). "Yankees finalize Opening Day roster". River Avenue Blues. Retrieved September 21, 2024.
  25. ^ "Ben Francisco 2013 Batting Game Logs". Baseball Reference. Retrieved September 21, 2024.
  26. ^ "Ben Francisco designated for assignment". CBS Sports. May 26, 2013. Retrieved September 21, 2024.
  27. ^ "Mark Teixeira hits grand slam for season's first HR as Yanks win". ESPN. Associated Press. June 3, 2013. Retrieved June 11, 2019.
  28. ^ "Former Phillie Ben Francisco joins Barnstormers". Lancaster Online. June 9, 2014. Retrieved June 11, 2019.
  29. ^ Adams, Steve; Todd, Jeff (December 15, 2014). "Minor Moves: Teahen, Pridie, Kelly, Worth, Francisco". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved September 21, 2024.
  30. ^ Creech, Edward (March 15, 2015). "Minor Moves: Ben Francisco, Jiwan James". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved March 16, 2015.
  31. ^ Harrington, Mike (July 28, 2022). "Ben Francisco's consistency lands him in Buffalo Hall". The Buffalo News.
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