John Franco On Sports Illustrated’S “The New York Mets: Celebrating Six Decades Of Amazin' Baseball”

In the world of baseball, there are legends, and then there's John Franco. From the bustling streets of Brooklyn to the grandeur of Shea Stadium, Franco's journey is a tale of dreams realized, friendships forged, and the unending love for the game. It's a story that defies the conventional and taps into the very essence of what it means to be a true New York Met.

A Kid's Dream

Growing up in Brooklyn, John Franco, like so many others, had a dream. He was a young boy, eyes wide with wonder, dreaming of the day he would take the mound at Shea Stadium as a New York Met. He was a die-hard fan, and the Mets were his heroes. Little did he know that this dream would one day become a reality.

As he recalls, "You know this book will hear Sports Illustrated put it out in 220 Pages reminiscing, you know you got a big kick out of the alternative game, you know the old guys." The old guys he's referring to are the legendary figures of the New York Mets, the ones he watched on TV and idolized as a kid. The dream came true in the winter of '89 when he joined the Mets.

Rubbing Shoulders with Legends

Franco wasn't just fulfilling a childhood dream; he was stepping onto the same field as the legends he had admired for so long. He was wearing the same uniform as those he used to watch growing up. It was like a pinch-yourself moment, as he shared the field with the likes of Tom Seaver, Cleon Jones, and the '69 Mets.

He reflects on this incredible experience, saying, "You just have to kind of like pinch yourself because these are the guys that I used to watch growing up, and now I'm part of no timer's day with it."

Tug McGraw: A Wacky Inspiration

One of the standout figures in John Franco's career is the legendary Tug McGraw. Tug wasn't just a teammate; he was a mentor and an inspiration. What drew Franco to Tug? "I just liked the Tug's enthusiasm. He's just a little wacky, you know."

In a fun twist, Tug once surprised Franco with a motorcycle after Franco's 300th save. Franco vividly recalls the moment, saying, "I thought it was Night Rider or something, you know, he had the helmet on, and he almost got bit the dust coming out of the boat. But when he took the helmet off, I was very surprised and very happy to see that it was Tug."

The Unconventional Captain

It's not every day that a relief pitcher becomes the captain of a baseball team. But in Franco's case, it happened, and it speaks volumes about the respect and admiration he earned from his teammates and the organization. He became the captain under Bobby Valentine's leadership, a highlight of his career.

Franco reflects on this unique honor, "I mean, it's very unheard of that a relief pitcher is a captain of a baseball team. It's usually like an everyday player, and for my teammates to think that highly of me and Bobby to think that highly of me, just to have the respect of my teammates and the organization, was something special."

The Subway Series: Electrifying Moments

The Subway Series between the Mets and the Yankees was a moment of pure excitement and rivalry. It was a dream come true for fans of both teams, and Franco couldn't agree more. He wishes they didn't have interleague play before that series to make it even more thrilling.

Reflecting on the Subway Series, Franco says, "The subway was very exciting. I wish that we didn't have the interleague play before that; I think it would have been even more exciting. But you know, the subway series, there's something online a world championship, and I thought it was great for the city."

Beyond the Game

John Franco's journey isn't just about baseball statistics; it's about the heart and soul he poured into his community. He was more than just a player; he was a pillar of support, especially during difficult times like 9/11. Franco believes in giving back to the community and inspiring the next generation.

He says, "I think it's important for a player, whether he's from New York or from another city and playing in New York, to give back to the community, to reach out and help out any way you can."

The Journey Continues

As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the incredible 2000 Mets team, John Franco's journey stands as a testament to dedication, passion, and love for the game. He's not just a name on the cover of a book; he's a symbol of what it means to be a New York Met.

In a world where the extraordinary meets the everyday, John Franco's journey is a story of dreams realized, legends embraced, and communities uplifted. It's a story that inspires and reminds us that greatness is not just in the statistics but in the impact we leave on the world. John Franco, a true Met, a true legend.