The New York Mets added another fan favorite to their Hall of Fame, announcing plans to induct former closer John Franco this summer — making him the fifth new inductee in three years.
“I am truly honored and humbled by being elected into the Mets Hall of Fame,” Franco said. “Growing up as a kid in Brooklyn and … always rooting for the Mets, and then working my way through high school and college and having a good career here in New York, it’s an honor for me to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.”
Franco’s resume with the Mets includes 276 saves, tops in franchise history, as well as a National League pennant in 2000. Spending 14 of his 21 big league seasons in New York, Franco amassed 424 career saves, the most by a left-hander and fourth most all time. His 3.10 ERA as a Met ranks fifth amongst those with at least 700 innings pitched for the franchise. Franco posted a 2.89 overall career ERA with the Mets, Reds and Astros.
“Obviously, John’s career statistics are exceptional,” said Mets executive vice president of business operations Dave Howard. “But beyond that, Johnny was always very special to Mets fans and to this organization, being a true New Yorker who was committed to being a productive and good member of the community.”
