Goodbye Frenchy: Memories of an Atlanta Icon

The trade of Jeff Francoeur to the New York Mets yesterday was a disappointing end to a promising young career in Atlanta.  After all, at the end of the 2007 season, I assumed that once Chipper Jones and John Smoltz retired that Francoeur would become the new face of the franchise.  Who would have imagined that less than two seasons later the Braves would receive so little in return for the player Sports Illustrated called "The Natural".  

I must admit, despite his struggles over the past two seasons, Frenchy has become one of my favorite players to watch.  He has a love for the game that impresses me every time I see him play.  From his wicked arm in the field to his reckless abandon at the plate, he always seems to be loving every minute of his time in the Majors.  He even took time out for the fans.  I attended the Braves Spring Training in 2006 and I remember him sprinting across the field after practice was over so that he could sign a few autographs before leaving to go golfing with his teammates.  Even in 2009, with trade rumors swirling and in the midst of an endless slump, he took time before the game to sign autographs and get pictures with every fan in Baltimore.  My wife commented to me after he left about how nice he seemed and how he looked each fan in the eye and smiled at them as he was signing their autograph.  I have never seen a player who seemed more genuinely appreciative to be at the ballpark.

While in my heart I wish that Francoeur was still a member of the Atlanta Braves, I know in my head that this was the right move for both the organization and for his career.  I wish Jeff all the luck in the world (except for when the Mets are playing the Braves), and I hope that he revitalizes his career and eventually becomes the player that I know he can be.