Julio Franco retires, universe as we know it ends

Post #1 » by **HCYanks** » Sat May 3, 2008 7:46 pm

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.c ... .DTL&tsp=1

Julio Franco finally called it quits.

The 49-year-old announced his retirement from baseball after a 23-year career in the major leagues and stints in his native Dominican Republic, South Korea, Japan and Mexico. In 2007, he became the oldest player to hit a home run in the majors.

"It was the hardest decision in my life," Franco said in an interview published Saturday by Mexican sports daily Record. "I always said I would be the first one to know the exact moment. I think the numbers speak for themselves, the production speaks and this is the right moment.

Post #2 » by **Schad** » Sat May 3, 2008 8:10 pm

Julio is just taking a couple years off so that he can be fresh in 2010. That must be it.

A.J. · Post #3 » by **A.J.** » Sat May 3, 2008 8:53 pm

Finally. Great career though :wink:

Post #4 » by **Basketball Jesus** » Sun May 4, 2008 12:20 am

Why now Krusty? Why not 10 years ago?

Post #5 » by **studcrackers** » Sun May 4, 2008 12:48 am

^^^

its so weird seeing him retire, i remember he was my favorite player when i was 5 and then once he went to the white sox he pretty much disappeared for like 8 years when he was playing in japan

so long julio

LaymansTerms · Post #6 » by **LaymansTerms** » Sun May 4, 2008 8:48 am

One of my favorite players of all-time.

It was ridiculous how he played till that age but it just goes to show how unathletic baseball is from all the other sports.

Julio will definitely never be forgotten. Guy is a legend in his own right.

Posey H8er · Post #7 » by **Posey H8er** » Sun May 4, 2008 2:46 pm

He debuted at the age of 23 in 1982. He was signed by Philadelphia in 1978. He could have played in 4 decades! 5 if he played till 2010 in his 50's.

Post #8 » by **GYBE** » Sun May 4, 2008 3:20 pm

http://progressiveboink.com/archive/franco/1.htm

Post #9 » by **Da Schwab** » Sun May 4, 2008 11:27 pm

I was actually kinda disappointed when I heard about him hanging it up. I wanted to see him step on to the field at 50.

Post #10 » by **Geddy** » Mon May 5, 2008 3:32 am

I guess the new substance policies outlawed the embalming fluids that were keeping him together.

High 5 · Post #11 » by **High 5** » Mon May 5, 2008 4:44 am

LaymansTerms wrote:One of my favorite players of all-time.

It was ridiculous how he played till that age but it just goes to show how unathletic baseball is from all the other sports.

Julio will definitely never be forgotten. Guy is a legend in his own right.

Franco was in amazing shape. Great shape for any age. I'm glad he had some productive years with the Braves.