Earlier today Julio Franco came up to our office. Julio has played a huge role in the Mets success this season both on and off the field. He has led by example and is teaching the young stars how to play the game the right way. I recently read a quote from Omar Minaya which stated that, as long as he is working in baseball, Minaya will always have a job for two people- Rickey Henderson and Julio Franco. That is because of the knowledge they have to pass on to the younger players. Not only has Franco been a clubhouse leader but he has also had many key knocks and stolen bases.
It seems that every time he comes up he breaks his own record for being the oldest player to.... Julio will continue to break his own records for a few more years as he told me that he wants to play until he is 50. After spending some time with him I truly believe that he will be a major asset to the Mets for at least two more seasons.
We got some cool items signed including a special web exclusive 8x10 photo. We have sold a photo for years of Don Mattingly tagging out Julio Franco. Franco added his name to a few of these to make them dual signed. It is awesome. We also got mlb baseballs and a few batting helmets signed. Julio has an unbelievable signature. He takes the time to write out every letter of his name which is rare these days.
Check back later for an recap of tomorrow's Duke Snider signing.