Matt Franco

Matt Franco, born in 1969, was a versatile position player whose career spanned from 1995 to 2003. He played a total of 661 games in Major League Baseball, showcasing his skills primarily as a pinch hitter and utility player. Franco finished his career with 261 hits, 22 home runs, and 117 RBIs, achieving a batting average of .267. Known for his ability to come through in clutch situations, he contributed significantly to his teams with his offensive capabilities, despite not being a standout power hitter. Franco played in an era marked by the transition of baseball in the late 1990s and early 2000s, a time when the game was witnessing a surge in offensive production and the emergence of new playing styles. His speed on the bases was modest, recording 2 stolen bases throughout his career, but his strategic approach and situational awareness made him a valuable asset off the bench. While his numbers may not have placed him among the elite players of his time, Franco's reliability and adaptability left a lasting impression on the teams he played for, including the New York Mets and the Atlanta Braves.