Jeff Francoeur
Encyclopedia
Jeffrey Braden Francoeur (icon; born January 8, 1984 in Atlanta, Georgia
), nicknamed "Frenchy", is a Major League Baseball
right fielder
who now plays for the Kansas City Royals
. Francoeur is known for a strong throwing arm.
, where he played 38 games and hit .327 with eight homers and 31 RBIs. Francoeur advanced steadily through the Braves minor league system, playing for Rome
(Low A) in 2003, Myrtle Beach
(High A) and Greenville
(former AA) in 2004, and Mississippi
(AA) in 2005.
Francoeur was a member of the Rome Braves
inaugural season team which went on to win the 2003 South Atlantic League
Championship. He led that team in home runs with 14.
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 All-Star Futures Game
before getting called up by Atlanta.
system during the 2005 season.
Francoeur made his Major League debut the following day when he started in right field against the Chicago Cubs
in the second game of a double header. In the bottom of the 8th inning he hit a 3-run home run to center field, his first Major League hit. Francoeur finished the season batting .300/.336/.549 in 67 games, with 14 home run
s 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 became known for having a strong and accurate arm, finishing the season with 13 outfield assists (third overall in MLB) despite playing less than half the season. He finished third in the National League Rookie of the Year
voting while garnering the most second place votes.
to star in the company's new ad campaign, his first endorsement deal.
On May 13, 2006, Francoeur hit a walk-off grand slam
against the Washington Nationals
, the first walk-off home run and 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.
Francoeur hit .260 with 29 homers and 103 RBIs in his first full season in the majors. He also became just the fourth Brave to play in all 162 games of a season, joining Felix Millan
, Dale Murphy
and Andruw Jones
. Francoeur was ejected for the first time in his career on July 16, 2006.
including two home run
s and a career high seven RBIs. He compiled a streak of 370 consecutive games played before sitting out the second game of a doubleheader
on May 20, 2008.
On May 22, 2008 Francoeur went 3 for 4 against the New York Mets
with an RBI triple, an RBI single, and a two-run home run, finishing a double short of a cycle. On May 24, 2008, he hit his second career walk-off home run
off Arizona Diamondbacks
reliever Chad Qualls
.
After weeks of being mired in the worst slump of his career, Braves management optioned Francoeur to Double-A Mississippi on July 4, 2008 to work with his old hitting coach Phillip Wellman
and refine his swing away from the pressurized major league setting. Francoeur had posted a line of .234
/.287
/.374 to that point of the season. Francoeur was recalled on July 7, 2008, after only three days in the minors because of the rash of injuries suffered by the Braves over the holiday weekend. His slump continued after his return to the majors; he posted a .234/.300/.324 line through September 10.
for outfielder Ryan Church.
He made his Mets debut on July 11, 2009 and notched two RBIs in his first at bat. He finished the day going 2–4 with 2 RBI, a strikeout, and was caught stealing once. On July 20, Francoeur hit his first home run as a Met off Washington Nationals
pitcher
Logan Kensing
during the ninth inning of that game.
On August 23, 2009, Francoeur became the second player in major league history (after Homer Summa
in 1927) to hit into a game-ending unassisted triple play
. He hit a line drive directly to Eric Bruntlett
, second baseman
for the Philadelphia Phillies
. Francoeur re-signed with the Mets for 2010.
After being the Mets' starting right fielder for the first half of the 2010 season, Francoeur was replaced by Ángel Pagán
to make room for the return of Carlos Beltrán
in the second half, marking the first time in his major league career that he has not been a starting player. On August 31, 2010 he was traded from the Mets to the Texas Rangers for infielder Joaquín Árias.
On December 8, 2010, Francoeur signed a one year deal with the Kansas City Royals worth $2.5 Million and includes a mutual option for the 2012 season.
, Francoeur played on the USA team in the first ever World Baseball Classic
in March 2006. In six at bats, he hit a double
and scored a run
.
and his mom is from Green Bay, Wisconsin
. His sister Heather (Francoeur) Karvis used to teach English and coach the girls' basketball team at St. Pius X Catholic High School in Atlanta. She now teaches and coaches the varsity girls basketball team at The Westminster Schools in Atlanta. His brother David Francoeur, Jr. teaches math at Richard Hull Middle School in Duluth, Georgia
. In 2007, on SportSouth
the "Big Braves Summer" promos, Francoeur revealed that his profession of choice (were he not a baseball player) would be coaching high school football
.
He graduated from Parkview High School
in Lilburn
, Georgia
in 2002. He lettered in both baseball and football. He led Parkview to the Georgia AAAA high school football championships in 2000 and 2001 as a wide receiver and defensive back. Francoeur was offered a scholarship to play wide receiver at Clemson University
, before turning that down and getting drafted in the first round. He also led Parkview to two state titles in baseball, in 2001 and 2002. While at Parkview he met his future wife, Catie McCoy Francoeur. They were married on November 3, 2007. Francoeur lived with teammate Brian McCann in Lawrenceville, Georgia
for their first two years in the majors, and he had his own fan club at Turner Field
called "Francoeur's Franks."
Francoeur is a vocal and outspoken born-again Christian. On the strap of his left batting glove, Francoeur has the phrase "" written, referencing the Bible
verse.
to promote Ready Georgia
, a state-wide campaign aimed at better educating Georgians on how to properly prepare for disasters. Francoeur has a profile on the campaign's website listing what he keeps in his ready kit
.
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is the capital and most populous city in the U.S. state of Georgia. According to the 2010 census, Atlanta's population is 420,003. Atlanta is the cultural and economic center of the Atlanta metropolitan area, which is home to 5,268,860 people and is the ninth largest metropolitan area in...
), nicknamed "Frenchy", is a Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
right fielder
Right fielder
A right fielder, abbreviated RF, is the outfielder in baseball or softball who plays defense in right field. Right field is the area of the outfield to the right of a person standing at home plate and facing towards the pitcher's mound...
who now plays for the Kansas City Royals
Kansas City Royals
The Kansas City Royals are a Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Royals are a member of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From 1973 to the present, the Royals have played in Kauffman Stadium...
. Francoeur is known for a strong throwing arm.
Minor league career
Francoeur was selected by the Braves in the first round of the June 2002 amateur draft. After the draft, Francoeur was assigned to the team’s advanced Rookie League club in Danville, VirginiaDanville Braves
The Danville Braves are a minor league baseball team in Danville, Virginia, USA. They are an Advanced Rookie-level team in the Appalachian League and have been a farm team of the Atlanta Braves since 1993. The Braves play home games at American Legion Post 325 Field...
, where he played 38 games and hit .327 with eight homers and 31 RBIs. Francoeur advanced steadily through the Braves minor league system, playing for Rome
Rome Braves
The Rome Braves are a Class-A minor league affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. In 2003, the team, previously known as the Macon Braves, moved from Macon, Georgia, to Rome, Georgia, 60 miles northwest of Atlanta....
(Low A) in 2003, Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach Pelicans
The Myrtle Beach Pelicans are a minor league baseball team in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. They are a Class A Advanced team in the Carolina League and the franchise is currently the farm team of the Texas Rangers. From their inaugural season until 2010, the Pelicans were an affiliate of the...
(High A) and Greenville
Mississippi Braves
The Mississippi Braves, or M-Braves as they are referred to locally, are a minor league baseball team based in Pearl, Mississippi, a suburb of Jackson. The team is the Class AA affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, and plays in the Southern League. The team is owned and operated by Liberty Media, which...
(former AA) in 2004, and Mississippi
Mississippi Braves
The Mississippi Braves, or M-Braves as they are referred to locally, are a minor league baseball team based in Pearl, Mississippi, a suburb of Jackson. The team is the Class AA affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, and plays in the Southern League. The team is owned and operated by Liberty Media, which...
(AA) in 2005.
Francoeur was a member of the Rome Braves
Rome Braves
The Rome Braves are a Class-A minor league affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. In 2003, the team, previously known as the Macon Braves, moved from Macon, Georgia, to Rome, Georgia, 60 miles northwest of Atlanta....
inaugural season team which went on to win the 2003 South Atlantic League
South Atlantic League
The South Atlantic League is a minor league baseball league based chiefly in the Southeastern United States, with the exception of three teams in the Mid-Atlantic States...
Championship. He led that team in home runs with 14.
In 2004, Francoeur was named the top prospect in the Braves organization by Baseball America
Baseball America
Baseball America is a magazine which covers baseball at every level, with a particular focus on up-and-coming players in high school, college, Japan, and the minor leagues. It is currently published in the form of a bi-weekly newspaper, five annual reference book titles, a weekly podcast, and a...
. He was a member of the Carolina League
Carolina League
The Carolina League is a minor league baseball affiliation which operates in the South Atlantic Coast of the United States. Before 2002, it was classified as a "High A" league, indicating its status as a Class A league with the highest level of competition within that classification, and the fifth...
regular season and postseason All-Star team. In 2005, he was selected to play in the All-Star Futures Game
All-Star Futures Game
The All-Star Futures Game is an annual baseball exhibition game between a team of top minor league prospects from the United States and a team of prospects from other parts of the World...
before getting called up by Atlanta.
2005
Francoeur was promoted by 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 leagueMinor league
Minor leagues are professional sports leagues which are not regarded as the premier leagues in those sports. Minor league teams tend to play in smaller, less elaborate venues, often competing in smaller cities. This term is used in North America with regard to several organizations competing in...
system during the 2005 season.
Francoeur made his Major League debut the following day when he started in right field against the Chicago Cubs
Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National...
in the second game of a double header. In the bottom of the 8th inning he hit a 3-run home run to center field, his first Major League hit. Francoeur finished the season batting .300/.336/.549 in 67 games, with 14 home run
Home run
In baseball, a home run is scored when the ball is hit in such a way that the batter is able to reach home safely in one play without any errors being committed by the defensive team in the process...
s 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 became known for having a strong and accurate arm, finishing the season with 13 outfield assists (third overall in MLB) despite playing less than half the season. He finished third in the National League Rookie of the Year
MLB Rookie of the Year Award
In Major League Baseball, the Rookie of the Year Award is annually given to one player from each league as voted on by the Baseball Writers Association of America . The award was established in 1940 by the Chicago chapter of the BBWAA, which selected an annual winner from 1940 through 1946...
voting while garnering the most second place votes.
2006
Early in the 2006 season, Francoeur signed on with Atlanta-based Delta Air LinesDelta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines, Inc. is a major airline based in the United States and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The airline operates an extensive domestic and international network serving all continents except Antarctica. Delta and its subsidiaries operate over 4,000 flights every day...
to star in the company's new ad campaign, his first endorsement deal.
On May 13, 2006, Francoeur hit a walk-off grand slam
Grand slam (baseball)
In the sport of baseball, a grand slam is a home run hit with all three bases occupied by baserunners , thereby scoring four runs—the most possible in one play. According to The Dickson Baseball Dictionary, the term originated in the card game of contract bridge, in which a grand slam involves...
against the Washington Nationals
Washington Nationals
The Washington Nationals are a professional baseball team based in Washington, D.C. The Nationals are a member of the Eastern Division of the National League of Major League Baseball . The team moved into the newly built Nationals Park in 2008, after playing their first three seasons in RFK Stadium...
, the first walk-off home run and grand slam of his career. On Mother's Day
Mother's Day (United States)
In the United States, Mother's Day is an annual holiday celebrated on the second Sunday in May. Mother's Day recognizes mothers, motherhood and maternal bonds in general, as well the positive contributions that they make to society....
, May 14, 2006, he was one of more than 50 hitters who brandished a pink bat
Pink bat
In baseball, pink bats are limited-supply baseball bats manufactured by Louisville Slugger for use by select Major League Baseball players on Mother's Day, first introduced in 2006 in association with the Susan G. Komen for the Cure organization...
to benefit the Breast Cancer Foundation.
Francoeur hit .260 with 29 homers and 103 RBIs in his first full season in the majors. He also became just the fourth Brave to play in all 162 games of a season, joining Felix Millan
Félix Millán
Félix Bernardo Millán Martínez is a former second baseman in Major League Baseball.-Baseball career:Millán, nicknamed "The Kitten" , born in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico, made his major league debut on June 2, 1966 with the Atlanta Braves, and played for Atlanta until 1973. Millan was primarily a second...
, Dale Murphy
Dale Murphy
Dale Bryan Murphy is a former Major League Baseball outfielder and first baseman. During an 18-year baseball career, 1976–1993, he played for three different teams, but is noted for his time with the Atlanta Braves...
and Andruw Jones
Andruw Jones
Andruw Rudolf Jones is a Major League Baseball outfielder who is a free agent.Jones made his debut during the 1996 season. In the 1996 World Series, Jones became the youngest player to ever homered in the postseason...
. Francoeur was ejected for the first time in his career on July 16, 2006.
2007
In his second full season in 2007, Francoeur batted .293 with 19 homers and 105 RBIs. Francoeur also displayed talent on the defensive side of the field, leading the league in outfield assists with 19 while earning his first career Gold Glove. Francoeur played in all 162 games for the second consecutive season. On August 16, 2007, Francoeur wore a jersey with his name misspelled on it. The "e" and "u" in his name switched, went 0-for-4 with the Braves in a game against the Giants. He was ejected for only the second time in his career on July 16, 2007, exactly one year to the day of his first ejection.2008
On April 12, 2008 Francoeur went 3 for 5 against the Washington NationalsWashington Nationals
The Washington Nationals are a professional baseball team based in Washington, D.C. The Nationals are a member of the Eastern Division of the National League of Major League Baseball . The team moved into the newly built Nationals Park in 2008, after playing their first three seasons in RFK Stadium...
including two home run
Home run
In baseball, a home run is scored when the ball is hit in such a way that the batter is able to reach home safely in one play without any errors being committed by the defensive team in the process...
s and a career high seven RBIs. He compiled a streak of 370 consecutive games played before sitting out the second game of a doubleheader
Doubleheader (baseball)
A doubleheader is a set of two baseball games played between the same two teams on the same day in front of the same crowd. In addition, the term is often used unofficially to refer to a pair of games played by a team in a single day, but in front of different crowds and not in immediate...
on May 20, 2008.
On May 22, 2008 Francoeur went 3 for 4 against the New York Mets
New York Mets
The New York Mets are a professional baseball team based in the borough of Queens in New York City, New York. They belong to Major League Baseball's National League East Division. One of baseball's first expansion teams, the Mets were founded in 1962 to replace New York's departed National League...
with an RBI triple, an RBI single, and a two-run home run, finishing a double short of a cycle. On May 24, 2008, he hit his second career walk-off home run
Walk-off home run
In baseball, a walk-off home run is a home run that ends the game. It must be a home run that gives the home team the lead in the bottom of the final inning of the game—either the ninth inning, or any extra inning, or any other regularly scheduled final inning...
off Arizona Diamondbacks
Arizona Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks are a professional baseball team based in Phoenix. They play in the West Division of Major League Baseball's National League. From 1998 to the present, they have played in Chase Field...
reliever Chad Qualls
Chad Qualls
Chadford Michael Qualls is a relief pitcher.-Astros:Qualls was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2000 Major League Baseball Draft by the Houston Astros. He began his career as a starting pitcher with the Michigan Battle Cats in...
.
After weeks of being mired in the worst slump of his career, Braves management optioned Francoeur to Double-A Mississippi on July 4, 2008 to work with his old hitting coach Phillip Wellman
Phillip Wellman
Phillip Wellman , is an American hitting coach and former manager who currently works for the Springfield Cardinals, the Texas League AA affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals. Wellman entered minor league baseball as a player in and began coaching in...
and refine his swing away from the pressurized major league setting. Francoeur had posted a line of .234
Batting average
Batting average is a statistic in both cricket and baseball that measures the performance of cricket batsmen and baseball hitters. The two statistics are related in that baseball averages are directly descended from the concept of cricket averages.- Cricket :...
/.287
On base percentage
In baseball statistics, on-base percentage is a measure of how often a batter reaches base for any reason other than a fielding error, fielder's choice, dropped/uncaught third strike, fielder's obstruction, or catcher's interference In baseball statistics, on-base percentage (OBP) (sometimes...
/.374 to that point of the season. Francoeur was recalled on July 7, 2008, after only three days in the minors because of the rash of injuries suffered by the Braves over the holiday weekend. His slump continued after his return to the majors; he posted a .234/.300/.324 line through September 10.
2009
On July 10, 2009 Francoeur was traded to the New York MetsNew York Mets
The New York Mets are a professional baseball team based in the borough of Queens in New York City, New York. They belong to Major League Baseball's National League East Division. One of baseball's first expansion teams, the Mets were founded in 1962 to replace New York's departed National League...
for outfielder Ryan Church.
He made his Mets debut on July 11, 2009 and notched two RBIs in his first at bat. He finished the day going 2–4 with 2 RBI, a strikeout, and was caught stealing once. On July 20, Francoeur hit his first home run as a Met off Washington Nationals
Washington Nationals
The Washington Nationals are a professional baseball team based in Washington, D.C. The Nationals are a member of the Eastern Division of the National League of Major League Baseball . The team moved into the newly built Nationals Park in 2008, after playing their first three seasons in RFK Stadium...
pitcher
Pitcher
In baseball, the pitcher is the player who throwsthe baseball from the pitcher's mound toward the catcher to begin each play, with the goal of retiring a batter, who attempts to either make contact with the pitched ball or draw a walk. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the...
Logan Kensing
Logan Kensing
Logan French Kensing is an American professional baseball pitcher for the New York Yankees of Major League Baseball.-Florida Marlins:...
during the ninth inning of that game.
On August 23, 2009, Francoeur became the second player in major league history (after Homer Summa
Homer Summa
Homer Wayne Summa was a right fielder in major league baseball from 1920 to 1930. He began his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates, but played most of his career for the Cleveland Indians before finishing as a reserve with the Philadelphia Athletics. His career batting average was .302...
in 1927) to hit into a game-ending unassisted triple play
Unassisted triple play
In baseball, an unassisted triple play occurs when a defensive player makes all three putouts by himself in one continuous play, without any teammates touching the ball . In Major League Baseball , it is one of the rarest of individual feats, along with hitting four home runs in one game and the...
. He hit a line drive directly to Eric Bruntlett
Eric Bruntlett
Eric Kevin Bruntlett is a retired Major League Baseball utility player who last played in the New York Yankees organization. He was known for his defensive versatility; he usually played second base or shortstop, but has also played left field. Bruntlett played every position except for catcher...
, second baseman
Second baseman
Second base, or 2B, is the second of four stations on a baseball diamond which must be touched in succession by a base runner in order to score a run for that player's team. A second baseman is the baseball player guarding second base...
for the Philadelphia Phillies
Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team. They are the oldest continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in all of professional American sports, dating to 1883. The Phillies are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
. Francoeur re-signed with the Mets for 2010.
2010
Angel Pagán
Ángel Anthony Pagán is a Puerto Rican professional baseball player. He currently plays outfield for the New York Mets of Major League Baseball. Pagan's original contract in Major League Baseball was with the Mets, but he was transferred to the Chicago Cubs when they bought his contract...
to make room for the return of Carlos Beltrán
Carlos Beltrán
Carlos Iván Beltrán is a Major League Baseball outfielder.-Early life:In his youth, Beltrán excelled in many sports, with volleyball and baseball being his favorites. At his father's urging, he gave up volleyball to concentrate on baseball when he was seventeen...
in the second half, marking the first time in his major league career that he has not been a starting player. On August 31, 2010 he was traded from the Mets to the Texas Rangers for infielder Joaquín Árias.
On December 8, 2010, Francoeur signed a one year deal with the Kansas City Royals worth $2.5 Million and includes a mutual option for the 2012 season.
2011
On August 18, 2011, Francoeur agreed to a two year extension with the Royals worth $13.5 million.World Baseball Classic
Along with former Braves teammate Chipper JonesChipper Jones
Larry Wayne "Chipper" Jones, Jr. is a Major League baseball player for the National League's Atlanta Braves. Although initially a shortstop, he has spent most of his career as the starting third baseman for the Braves...
, Francoeur played on the USA team in the first ever World Baseball Classic
2006 World Baseball Classic
---------Pool B:-------------Pool C:-------------Pool D:-------------Pool 1:-----------------Pool 2:-------------Finals:-Semifinals:-Final:-Final standings:...
in March 2006. In six at bats, he hit a double
Double (baseball)
In baseball, a double is the act of a batter striking the pitched ball and safely reaching second base without being called out by the umpire, without the benefit of a fielder's misplay or another runner being put out on a fielder's choice....
and scored a run
Run (baseball)
In baseball, a run is scored when a player advances around first, second and third base and returns safely to home plate, touching the bases in that order, before three outs are recorded and all obligations to reach base safely on batted balls are met or assured...
.
Personal
Francoeur comes from a family of teachers. His parents, David and Karen, are both retired teachers. Francoeur's dad is from Springfield, MassachusettsSpringfield, Massachusetts
Springfield is the most populous city in Western New England, and the seat of Hampden County, Massachusetts, United States. Springfield sits on the eastern bank of the Connecticut River near its confluence with three rivers; the western Westfield River, the eastern Chicopee River, and the eastern...
and his mom is from Green Bay, Wisconsin
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Green Bay is a city in and the county seat of Brown County in the U.S. state of Wisconsin, located at the head of Green Bay, a sub-basin of Lake Michigan, at the mouth of the Fox River. It has an elevation of above sea level and is located north of Milwaukee. As of the 2010 United States Census,...
. His sister Heather (Francoeur) Karvis used to teach English and coach the girls' basketball team at St. Pius X Catholic High School in Atlanta. She now teaches and coaches the varsity girls basketball team at The Westminster Schools in Atlanta. His brother David Francoeur, Jr. teaches math at Richard Hull Middle School in Duluth, Georgia
Duluth, Georgia
Duluth is a city in Gwinnett County, Georgia and an increasingly more affluent and developed suburb of Atlanta. Unincorporated portions of Forsyth County also have Duluth as a mailing address, though this area is outside city limits...
. In 2007, on SportSouth
SportSouth
SportSouth is a regional sports network in the United States, with its headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. SportSouth, formerly Turner South, relaunched on October 13, 2006...
the "Big Braves Summer" promos, Francoeur revealed that his profession of choice (were he not a baseball player) would be coaching high school football
American football
American football is a sport played between two teams of eleven with the objective of scoring points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone. Known in the United States simply as football, it may also be referred to informally as gridiron football. The ball can be advanced by...
.
He graduated from Parkview High School
Parkview High School (Georgia)
Parkview High School, the "Home of the Panthers," is located in Lilburn, Georgia in Gwinnett County. The current principal is Mr. David T. Smith.-History:During the early 1970s, Gwinnett County, Georgia led the country in growth...
in Lilburn
Lilburn, Georgia
As of 2010 Lilburn had a population of 11,596. The median age was 36.3. The racial and ethnic composition of the population was 52.7% white , 16.4% black or African American, 0.5% Native American, 4.8% Asian Indian, 10.4% other Asian, 12.3% from some other race and 2.8% from two or more races...
, Georgia
Georgia (U.S. state)
Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788...
in 2002. He lettered in both baseball and football. He led Parkview to the Georgia AAAA high school football championships in 2000 and 2001 as a wide receiver and defensive back. Francoeur was offered a scholarship to play wide receiver at Clemson University
Clemson University
Clemson University is an American public, coeducational, land-grant, sea-grant, research university located in Clemson, South Carolina, United States....
, before turning that down and getting drafted in the first round. He also led Parkview to two state titles in baseball, in 2001 and 2002. While at Parkview he met his future wife, Catie McCoy Francoeur. They were married on November 3, 2007. Francoeur lived with teammate Brian McCann in Lawrenceville, Georgia
Lawrenceville, Georgia
Lawrenceville is a city in and the county seat of Gwinnett County, Georgia, in the United States. The Census Bureau estimates the 2008 population at 29,258...
for their first two years in the majors, and he had his own fan club at Turner Field
Turner Field
Turner Field is a stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, home to Major League Baseball's Atlanta Braves since 1997. Turner Field was originally built as Centennial Olympic Stadium, it was completed in 1996 to serve as the centerpiece of the 1996 Summer Olympics...
called "Francoeur's Franks."
Francoeur is a vocal and outspoken born-again Christian. On the strap of his left batting glove, Francoeur has the phrase "" written, referencing the Bible
Bible
The Bible refers to any one of the collections of the primary religious texts of Judaism and Christianity. There is no common version of the Bible, as the individual books , their contents and their order vary among denominations...
verse.
Community service
Francoeur partnered with the Georgia Emergency Management AgencyGeorgia Emergency Management Agency
The Georgia Emergency Management Agency or GEMA is the emergency management agency for the U.S. state of Georgia. Its function is similar to that of the Federal Emergency Management Agency in preparing for and responding to disasters, and mitigating potential hazards....
to promote Ready Georgia
Ready Georgia
Ready Georgia is a statewide emergency preparedness campaign in the U.S. state of Georgia instituted by the Georgia Emergency Management Agency and Governor Sonny Perdue in conjunction with the national Ready America campaign sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency...
, a state-wide campaign aimed at better educating Georgians on how to properly prepare for disasters. Francoeur has a profile on the campaign's website listing what he keeps in his ready kit
Survival kit
A survival kit is a package of basic tools and supplies prepared in advance as an aid to survival in an emergency. Military aircraft, lifeboats, and spacecraft are equipped with survival kits....
.