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Matt Franco

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Matt Franco
Yet another ex-Met under Bobby Valentine has signed to play with the Marines for the 2004 season. 1B-3B Matt Franco has signed to play for Lotte.

Matt Franco bats left-handed, throws right-handed, and is a darn good hitter who can be productive if given a chance.

He is also the nephew of Hollywood superstar Kurt Russell. In the DVD version of Vanilla Sky, you can see Russell wearing a Mets jersey during rehearsals with Tom Cruise. Kurt Russell was once a minor league second baseman in the Angels' organization.
Comments
Re: Matt Franco
[ Author: Kiyoshi | Posted: Jan 14, 2004 12:11 PM | HAN Fan ]

Kurt also played for the Portland Mavericks of the Northwest League. His dad and fellow actor Bing Russell owned the independant team and one of his teammates was Jim Bouton.
Re: Matt Franco
[ Author: tfk22587 | Posted: Jan 14, 2004 10:40 PM ]

Mattie ought to fare rather well in Japan. When he played for the Mets, I always said he should have a shot at starting somewhere. He is a darn good contact hitter when he plays regularly, and I'm glad to see he isn't with the hated Braves anymore.

I am curious though, if anyone knows how old he is. I never bothered to check that while he played in the States, but I suspect he is rather old. Also, do we know the exact numbers of his contract yet?
Re: Matt Franco
[ Author: westbaystars | Posted: Jan 15, 2004 12:44 AM | YBS Fan ]

Today's Nikkan Sports, after a picture of Matt next to Julio Franco and Kurt Russel with a sub-headline declaring the return of the popular "Franco-furt bento" to Chiba Marine Stadium, gives Matt's profile:

Born August 19, 1969 (34 going on 35) in Santa Monica, CA. Played in 661 games in MLB with a .267 BA, 22 HR, 117 RBIs. 186 cm tall, weighing in at 95 kg. Throws right, bats left.
Re: Matt Franco
[ Author: Guest: resparto | Posted: Apr 27, 2004 8:18 AM ]

How do I find out Matt's Japanese stats in English? I am a good friend of his dad who produced a couple of films I edited. I have followed Matt daily in the U.S.A., but have no idea how to do so in Japan.
Re: Matt Franco
[ Author: Guest: Sheri | Posted: May 26, 2004 6:56 AM ]

Not only is he talented, he is completely devoted to his wife. As you know that is practically unheard of these days.
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