Jan
26
2012

Congratulations To John Franco On Mets Hall Of Fame Selection!

An article by Joe D

The New York Mets today announced that John Franco, the club’s all-time leader in saves and games pitched, will be inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame during the Mets Hall of Fame Induction ceremony presented by Citi Sunday, June 3 prior to the 1:10 p.m. game against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Franco saved 276 games for the Mets over his 14-year career (1990-2004) with the team, the second-longest in franchise history behind Ed Kranepool’s 18 years of service. The four-time All-Star compiled 424 saves during his career, the fourth-most in major league history and the most by any lefthanded reliever.

“It’s a tremendous honor to be elected to the Mets Hall of Fame,” said Franco, who is currently in his fourth year as a Club Ambassador with the Mets. “I would like to thank Fred Wilpon, Saul Katz, Jeff Wilpon, the Hall of Fame Committee, all of my managers and coaches and of course my teammates. My entire family is looking forward to June 3.”

“John set a very high standard during his career both on and off the field,” said Mets COO Jeff Wilpon, who serves as Ex-Officio for the Selection Committee. “It’s great that during our 50^th anniversary season we can have John – a true New Yorker in every sense – inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame.”

The Brooklyn native appeared in 695 games with the Mets and earned the National League Rolaids Relief Award twice (1988, 1990). Franco was named the Mets’ team captain on May 4, 2001 and was also honored on the 40^th Anniversary All-Amazin’ team.

During a conference call today John Franco had this to say about the big news:

“I’m truly honored and humbled to be elected. Growing up rooting for the Mets it’s an honor and very special for a kid from Brooklyn. My dad is up in heaven looking down with a smile.”

Congratulations, John!

Question: Does John Franco eventually wind up with a plaque in Cooperstown?

Props to Kelly for the graphic!

About the Author: Joe DeCaro

I'm a lifelong Mets fan who loves writing and talking about the Amazins' 24/7. From the Miracle in 1969 to the magic of 1986, and even the near misses in '73 and '00, I've experienced it all - the highs and the lows. I started Mets Merized Online in 2005 to feed my addiction. Follow me on Twitter @metsmerized.

8 Comments + Add Comment

Andrew January 26, 2012 at 9:43 am

I think there are 3 possibilities:
-Howard Johnson is the next guy up for the ’86 team with Cashen, Davey Johnson, Strawberry, Gooden, Carter, Mookie, and Hernandez in. But that’s already a lot of guys for one team, and HoJo’s relationship with the franchise isn’t at its best right now.

-Mike Piazza is the obvious best guy not included. But would they do it this year, when its been so clear they’re waiting for his HoF year next year? Could they do it to boost his chances of entering Cooperstown with the NY on his cap?

-John Franco is the only captain not in there. He’s never getting his number retired- he just wasn’t good enough, plus having 2 numbers makes it difficult (I suppose if they retire 31 for Piazza anyway they could just put it up there twice and not lose any uniform number availability), and his HoF shot has come and gone.

My guess: Piazza
Little Nicky January 26, 2012 at 9:45 am

What about Ron Darling or John Franco?
XtreemIcon January 26, 2012 at 9:46 am

I’m guessing Piazza because the Mets will have a “leg up” so to speak on the actual HoF.
Alex68 January 26, 2012 at 1:10 pm

John Franco…. the CORE’s prediction…
NJstuckinTX January 26, 2012 at 1:12 pm

Looks to be Franco.
Trade Wright for Nolan Arenado January 26, 2012 at 1:14 pm

The human rain delay…Steve Trachsel.
jessep January 26, 2012 at 2:59 pm

Question: Does John Franco eventually wind up with a plaque in Cooperstown?

Answer: No.
Met Maniac January 26, 2012 at 2:53 pm

Congrats to Franco who used to make me eat Tums like they were Reeses Pieces.

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