Jeff Francis
Encyclopedia
Jeffrey William Francis (born January 8, 1981, in North Delta, British Columbia
) is a Canadian
professional baseball
pitcher
who is a free agent.
. After playing for the North Delta Blue Jays
of the B.C. Premier Baseball League
, the highest calibre junior league in Canada, Francis went on to pursue a major in physics
at the University of British Columbia
while playing for the UBC Thunderbirds
. He was selected in the 1st round (9th pick overall) by the Colorado Rockies in the 2002 Major League Baseball Draft
. Along with Adam Loewen
, who was selected at fourth overall in the same draft, the two received much publicity as they were drafted higher than any other Canadian baseball players up to that time. Francis was signed by Greg Hopkins
.
and USA Today
, becoming the first player in Colorado Rockies organizational history to win either of the awards. He became the fourth different player to be honored in the same season by both publications, joining Andruw Jones
(1995–1996), Rick Ankiel
(1999), and Josh Beckett
(2001). Combined between Double-A Tulsa
and Triple-A Colorado Springs
, Francis went 16-3 with a 2.21 ERA
and .194 average against in 24 starts. He struck out 196 batters in 154.2 innings pitched, for a ratio of 11.4 per nine innings. He had more strikeouts than hits (108) and walks (29) combined.
, losing the 8-1 decision. He pitched five innings, allowing six runs (on three home runs), walking one, while striking out eight hitters. He earned his first career victory on September 5, 2004, against the San Diego Padres
at PETCO Park
, tossing 5 1/3 scoreless innings in a 5-2 victory for the Rockies.
Francis finished the year with a 3-2 record, with an ERA of 5.16
at the 2006 World Baseball Classic
.
On September 23, , Francis notched his 30th career win against the Atlanta Braves. In the process, he passed Brian Bohanon
to become the left-handed pitcher with the most wins in Rockies history.
On November 22, 2006, Francis signed a four-year deal worth $13.25 million, carrying an option for a fifth year at $9million. Under MLB rules, the option year would be his first year eligible for free agency. The contract will allow the Rockies/Francis to avoid going to arbitration every year.
. It was his first postseason appearance.
On October 24, 2007, Francis became the first Canadian starting pitcher to pitch in the World Series
but struggled in lasting only four innings and allowing six runs. The Rockies went on to lose the game 13 - 1.
Francis underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left shoulder on February 25. As a result, he missed the entire 2009 season
. In addition, the surgery forced Francis to decline the invitation to play for Team Canada
in the 2009 World Baseball Classic
for $2 million plus performance bonuses.
He became Kansas City's #2 Starter and led them in most pitching categories throughout the first half of the year. He elected free agency on October 30.
. In late 2009, Allison gave birth to the couple's first child, a daughter named Cameron.
British Columbia
British Columbia is the westernmost of Canada's provinces and is known for its natural beauty, as reflected in its Latin motto, Splendor sine occasu . Its name was chosen by Queen Victoria in 1858...
) is a Canadian
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
professional baseball
Baseball
Baseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players each. The aim is to score runs by hitting a thrown ball with a bat and touching a series of four bases arranged at the corners of a ninety-foot diamond...
pitcher
Pitcher
In baseball, the pitcher is the player who throwsthe baseball from the pitcher's mound toward the catcher to begin each play, with the goal of retiring a batter, who attempts to either make contact with the pitched ball or draw a walk. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the...
who is a free agent.
Early life
Francis attended Burnsview Secondary School and North Delta Secondary School in North Delta, British ColumbiaNorth Delta, British Columbia
North Delta is a largely middle-class bedroom community situated in the Lower Mainland, in British Columbia, Canada. The community is the most populous of the three communities that make up the Corporation of Delta. North Delta is home to numerous parks and recreational opportunities...
. After playing for the North Delta Blue Jays
North Delta Blue Jays
The North Delta Blue Jays, are a Canadian youth baseball team located in the city of Delta, British Columbia. The team was founded in 1995, and joined the B.C. Premier Baseball League in 1999. The team plays their home games at Mackie Park....
of the B.C. Premier Baseball League
B.C. Premier Baseball League
The British Columbia Premier Baseball League, commonly referred to as the BCPBL or the PBL, is a competitive youth baseball league consisting of 13 teams located throughout British Columbia, Canada...
, the highest calibre junior league in Canada, Francis went on to pursue a major in physics
Physics
Physics is a natural science that involves the study of matter and its motion through spacetime, along with related concepts such as energy and force. More broadly, it is the general analysis of nature, conducted in order to understand how the universe behaves.Physics is one of the oldest academic...
at the University of British Columbia
University of British Columbia
The University of British Columbia is a public research university. UBC’s two main campuses are situated in Vancouver and in Kelowna in the Okanagan Valley...
while playing for the UBC Thunderbirds
UBC Thunderbirds
The UBC Thunderbirds are the athletic teams that represent the University of British Columbia in the University Endowment Lands just outside the city limits of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. They are one of the most successful teams in the CIS, though a few of their teams are members of the U.S...
. He was selected in the 1st round (9th pick overall) by the Colorado Rockies in the 2002 Major League Baseball Draft
2002 Major League Baseball Draft
The 2002 First-Year Player Draft, Major League Baseball's annual amateur draft, was held on June 4 and 5.This year's draft is featured in Michael Lewis' 2003 book Moneyball.-First Round Selections:-Supplemental First Round Compensation Selections:...
. Along with Adam Loewen
Adam Loewen
Adam Alexander Loewen is a Canadian professional baseball outfielder and infielder for the New York Mets of Major League Baseball. He bats and throws left-handed...
, who was selected at fourth overall in the same draft, the two received much publicity as they were drafted higher than any other Canadian baseball players up to that time. Francis was signed by Greg Hopkins
Greg Hopkins
Greg Hopkins is a former Arena Football League wide receiver/linebacker with the Albany Firebirds and the Los Angeles Avengers.-High school career:Greg Hopkins was born in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, United States...
.
Minor leagues
In 2004, Francis was named Minor League Player of the Year by both Baseball AmericaBaseball America Minor League Player of the Year Award
Listed below in chronological order are the Minor League Baseball players chosen by Baseball America as recipients of the Baseball America Minor League Player of the Year Award...
and USA Today
USA Today Minor League Player of the Year Award
Listed below in chronological order are the Minor League Baseball players chosen by USA Today as recipients of the USA Today Minor League Player of the Year Award...
, becoming the first player in Colorado Rockies organizational history to win either of the awards. He became the fourth different player to be honored in the same season by both publications, joining Andruw Jones
Andruw Jones
Andruw Rudolf Jones is a Major League Baseball outfielder who is a free agent.Jones made his debut during the 1996 season. In the 1996 World Series, Jones became the youngest player to ever homered in the postseason...
(1995–1996), Rick Ankiel
Rick Ankiel
Richard Alexander Ankiel is a Major League Baseball outfielder who is currently with the Washington Nationals. He bats and throws left-handed....
(1999), and Josh Beckett
Josh Beckett
Joshua Patrick Beckett is an American professional baseball pitcher with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball. During his career in the playoffs, he won the 2003 World Series MVP Award with the Florida Marlins, and received the 2007 ALCS MVP award with the Red Sox.-Florida Marlins :A...
(2001). Combined between Double-A Tulsa
Tulsa Drillers
The Tulsa Drillers are a minor league baseball team based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The team, which plays in the Texas League, is the Double-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies major-league club.-Stadium:...
and Triple-A Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs Sky Sox
The Colorado Springs Sky Sox are a minor league baseball team in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The team's colors are red and blue. The team plays in the Pacific Coast League and are the Triple-A affiliate of the major league Colorado Rockies...
, Francis went 16-3 with a 2.21 ERA
Earned run average
In baseball statistics, earned run average is the mean of earned runs given up by a pitcher per nine innings pitched. It is determined by dividing the number of earned runs allowed by the number of innings pitched and multiplying by nine...
and .194 average against in 24 starts. He struck out 196 batters in 154.2 innings pitched, for a ratio of 11.4 per nine innings. He had more strikeouts than hits (108) and walks (29) combined.
Major leagues
2004: rookie year
Francis made his major league debut on August 25, , against the Atlanta BravesAtlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
, losing the 8-1 decision. He pitched five innings, allowing six runs (on three home runs), walking one, while striking out eight hitters. He earned his first career victory on September 5, 2004, against the San Diego Padres
San Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres are a Major League Baseball team based in San Diego, California. They play in the National League Western Division. Founded in 1969, the Padres have won the National League Pennant twice, in 1984 and 1998, losing in the World Series both times...
at PETCO Park
PETCO Park
Petco Park is an open-air ballpark in downtown San Diego, California, USA. It opened in 2004, replacing Qualcomm Stadium as the home park of Major League Baseball's San Diego Padres. Before then, the Padres shared Qualcomm Stadium with the NFL's San Diego Chargers...
, tossing 5 1/3 scoreless innings in a 5-2 victory for the Rockies.
Francis finished the year with a 3-2 record, with an ERA of 5.16
2006
Francis played for CanadaCanada national baseball team
Canada has qualified for two Olympic games, in 2004 and 2008. Canadian teams also competed twice when baseball was a demonstration sport, in 1984 and 1988.-1984 Summer Olympics:...
at the 2006 World Baseball Classic
2006 World Baseball Classic
---------Pool B:-------------Pool C:-------------Pool D:-------------Pool 1:-----------------Pool 2:-------------Finals:-Semifinals:-Final:-Final standings:...
.
On September 23, , Francis notched his 30th career win against the Atlanta Braves. In the process, he passed Brian Bohanon
Brian Bohanon
Brian Edward Bohanon , is a retired professional baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues from 1990-2001.-External links:...
to become the left-handed pitcher with the most wins in Rockies history.
On November 22, 2006, Francis signed a four-year deal worth $13.25 million, carrying an option for a fifth year at $9million. Under MLB rules, the option year would be his first year eligible for free agency. The contract will allow the Rockies/Francis to avoid going to arbitration every year.
2007
On October 3, , Francis became the first Canadian starting pitcher to win a Major League Baseball postseason game by beating the Philadelphia PhilliesPhiladelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team. They are the oldest continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in all of professional American sports, dating to 1883. The Phillies are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
. It was his first postseason appearance.
On October 24, 2007, Francis became the first Canadian starting pitcher to pitch in the World Series
2007 World Series
-Game 1:Wednesday, October 24, 2007 at Fenway Park in Boston, MassachusettsThe Red Sox cruised to a blowout win in Game 1 behind ALCS MVP Josh Beckett, who struck out nine batters, including the first four he faced, en route to his fourth win of the 2007 postseason...
but struggled in lasting only four innings and allowing six runs. The Rockies went on to lose the game 13 - 1.
2008-09: injury-plagued
Like many of his Rockies teammates, Francis struggled to replicate his 2007 success during the season. He finished the year with a 4-10 record and a 5.01 ERA in 21 starts, although he reported pitching through shoulder soreness for much of the season.Francis underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left shoulder on February 25. As a result, he missed the entire 2009 season
2009 Major League Baseball season
The 2009 Major League Baseball season began on Sunday, April 5, 2009 with the Atlanta Braves defeating the 2008 World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies 4–1. The regular season ended on October 6, extended two days for a one-game playoff between the Detroit Tigers and the Minnesota Twins to...
. In addition, the surgery forced Francis to decline the invitation to play for Team Canada
Canada national baseball team
Canada has qualified for two Olympic games, in 2004 and 2008. Canadian teams also competed twice when baseball was a demonstration sport, in 1984 and 1988.-1984 Summer Olympics:...
in the 2009 World Baseball Classic
2009 World Baseball Classic
The 2009 World Baseball Classic was an international baseball competition. It is the only international baseball tournament to feature a large number of players from the major leagues of North America and Asia. It began on March 5, 2009, and finished March 23, 2009.Japan emerged victorious for the...
2010
In his first game back since his injury, Francis pitched seven innings, allowing two walks and seven hits in a 3-2 Rockies win over the Nationals on May 16, 2010. Francis pitched in 20 games for the Rockies in 2010 posting a 4-6 record with a 5.00 ERA2011
On January 14, 2011, Francis agreed to a one-year contract with the Kansas City RoyalsKansas City Royals
The Kansas City Royals are a Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Royals are a member of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From 1973 to the present, the Royals have played in Kauffman Stadium...
for $2 million plus performance bonuses.
He became Kansas City's #2 Starter and led them in most pitching categories throughout the first half of the year. He elected free agency on October 30.
Personal life
Francis and his wife Allison Padfield were married on December 31, 2005, in London, OntarioLondon, Ontario
London is a city in Southwestern Ontario, Canada, situated along the Quebec City – Windsor Corridor. The city has a population of 352,395, and the metropolitan area has a population of 457,720, according to the 2006 Canadian census; the metro population in 2009 was estimated at 489,274. The city...
. In late 2009, Allison gave birth to the couple's first child, a daughter named Cameron.