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{{short description|American baseball player (born 1981)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2024}}
{{Infobox baseball biography {{Infobox baseball biography
| name = Ben Francisco | name = Ben Francisco
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| position = ] | position = ]
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1981|10|23}} | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1981|10|23}}
| birth_place = ] | birth_place = ], U.S.
| bats = Right | bats = Right
| throws = Right | throws = Right
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|finalteam=New York Yankees |finalteam=New York Yankees
|statleague = MLB |statleague = MLB
| stat1label = ] | stat1label = ]
| stat1value = .253 | stat1value = .253
| stat2label = ]s | stat2label = ]s
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* ] ({{mlby|2013}}) * ] ({{mlby|2013}})
}} }}
'''Louis Benjamin Francisco''' (born October 23, 1981) is an American former ] ] and currently a major league scout. He played in ] (MLB) for the ], ], ], ], ] and ]. '''Louis Benjamin Francisco''' (born October 23, 1981), is an American former ] ], who is currently a major league ] for the ]. He played in ] (MLB) for the ], ], ], ], ], and ].<ref name="bbreffranciscomaj">{{cite web |date= |title=Ben Francisco Stats |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/f/francbe01.shtml |access-date=May 26, 2019 |work=] |publisher=]}}</ref>


==Early life== ==Early life==
He is a 1999 graduate of ], a Roman Catholic high school for boys, in ], California where he played on the same baseball team as former Indians teammate ]. He later attended and played baseball at ] in 2000 and went on to play at the ] in 2001 through 2003. Francisco is a 1999 graduate of ], a Roman Catholic high school for boys, in ], California where he played on the same baseball team as former Indians teammate ]. He later attended and played baseball at ] in 2000 and went on to play at the ] in 2001 through 2003.


==Professional career== ==Professional career==
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===Cleveland Indians=== ===Cleveland Indians===


Francisco was selected by the ] in the fifth round (154th overall) of the ].<ref>{{cite web |title=Ben Francisco Baseball Statistics |url=https://www.thebaseballcube.com/content/player/20494/ |url-status= |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=July 2, 2007 |website=The Baseball Cube}}</ref> He was called up from the Triple-A ] on May 1, {{mlby|2007}},<ref>{{cite web |last=Castrovince |first=Anthony |date=May 1, 2007 |title=Tribe sends Carmona to Triple-A |url=http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070501&content_id=1940255&vkey=news_cle&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723214456/http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070501&content_id=1940255&vkey=news_cle&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle |archive-date=July 23, 2011 |access-date=July 2, 2007 |work=] |publisher=]}}</ref> and made his major league debut that night as a late-game defensive replacement.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 1, 2007 |title=Toronto Blue Jays vs Cleveland Indians Box Score: May 1, 2007 |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CLE/CLE200705010.shtml |access-date=September 21, 2024 |website=] |language=en}}</ref> On June 29, Francisco got his first ] and his first ] in his first major league start. His home run came leading off the bottom of the ninth inning, helping the Indians to a 2–1, ] win over the ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Castrovince |first=Anthony |date=June 29, 2007 |title=Francisco's first homer lifts Indians |url=http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20070629&content_id=2056988&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070703182747/http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20070629&content_id=2056988&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle |archive-date=July 3, 2007 |access-date=September 21, 2024 |website=] |publisher=]}}</ref> Francisco played in 25 games with Cleveland during the 2007 season, batting .278 with three home runs and 12 ].<ref name="bbreffranciscomaj" />
He was selected by the ] in the fifth round (154th overall) of the ].<ref>{{cite web

|url = http://thebaseballcube.com/players/F/ben-francisco.shtml
Though Francisco had a strong performance during spring training in {{mlby|2008}} (.362 average, three home runs, 9 RBI, .617 ]), he was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo on March 27.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Castrovince |first=Anthony |date=March 27, 2008 |title=Outfielder Francisco optioned to Buffalo |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080327&content_id=2461060&vkey=spt2008news&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080328183450/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080327&content_id=2461060&vkey=spt2008news&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |archive-date=March 28, 2008 |access-date=September 21, 2024 |website=] |publisher=]}}</ref> Francisco was recalled on April 22 when ] was placed on the ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Castrovince |first=Anthony |date=April 22, 2008 |title=Indians lose Westbrook to injury, DL |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080422&content_id=2568664&vkey=news_cle&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080423052947/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080422&content_id=2568664&vkey=news_cle&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle |archive-date=April 23, 2008 |access-date=September 21, 2024 |website=] |publisher=]}}</ref> After a two-game stint, he was optioned back to Buffalo, and recalled again on May 6.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Castrovince |first=Anthony |date=May 6, 2008 |title=Larger role greets Francisco |url=http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080506&content_id=2650894&vkey=news_cle&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080510090643/http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080506&content_id=2650894&vkey=news_cle&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle |archive-date=May 10, 2008 |access-date=September 21, 2024 |website=] |publisher=]}}</ref> On June 5 against the ], Francisco became the fourth Indians rookie since 1948 to record five hits in a game, and the first since ] in 1987.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Castrovince |first=Anthony |date=June 5, 2008 |title=Francisco may be answer in No. 2 hole |url=http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080605&content_id=2849560&vkey=news_cle&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080609011333/http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080605&content_id=2849560&vkey=news_cle&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle |archive-date=June 9, 2008 |access-date=September 21, 2024 |website=] |publisher=]}}</ref> Francisco ultimately finished the season batting .266 with 15 home runs and 54 RBI in 121 games.<ref name="bbreffranciscomaj" />
|title = Ben Francisco Baseball Statistics

|accessdate = 2007-07-02
Francisco began the 2009 season with a .250 batting average, 10 home runs and 33 RBI in 89 games with Cleveland.<ref name="bbreffranciscomaj" />
|publisher = The Baseball Cube
| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20070702171902/http://thebaseballcube.com/players/F/Ben-Francisco.shtml| archivedate= 2 July 2007 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref>
He was recalled from the Triple-A ] on May 1, {{mlby|2007}},<ref>{{cite web
|url = http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070501&content_id=1940255&vkey=news_cle&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle
|title = Tribe sends Carmona to Triple-A
|accessdate = 2007-07-02
|last = Castrovince
|first = Anthony
|date = 2007-05-01
|publisher = MLB.com
}}</ref>
and made his major league debut that night as a late-game defensive replacement. On June 29, 2007, Francisco got his first ] and his first ] in his first major league start. His home run came leading off the bottom of the ninth inning, giving the Indians a 2–1, ] win over the ].


===Philadelphia Phillies=== ===Philadelphia Phillies===
On July 29, 2009, Francisco was traded to the ] along with reigning ] winner ], for a selection of top minor league prospects including ], ], ], and ].<ref> ''MLB.com''</ref> On July 29, 2009, Francisco was traded to the ] along with reigning ] winner ], for a selection of top minor league prospects including ], ], ], and ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Castrovince |first=Anthony |date=July 29, 2009 |title=Lee, Francisco traded to Phillies |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090729&content_id=6127566&vkey=news_cle&fext=.jsp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107020954/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090729&content_id=6127566&vkey=news_cle&fext=.jsp |archive-date=November 7, 2012 |website=] |publisher=]}}</ref> He spent the remainder of 2009 as a reserve outfielder and pinch hitter with the Phillies, playing in 37 games and hitting .278 with five home runs and 13 RBI.<ref name="bbreffranciscomaj" /> Francisco also saw time during Philadelphia's postseason run, going hitless in 11 ] while recording one ] in 11 games.<ref name="bbreffranciscomaj" />


In his first full season in Philadelphia, Francisco batted .268 with six home runs and 28 RBI in 88 games.<ref name="bbreffranciscomaj" /> He recorded his first career postseason hit and run scored in the ], which ended in a series loss to the ].<ref name="bbreffranciscomaj" />
He spent the remainder of 2009 and the entire 2010 season as a reserve outfielder and pinch hitter with the Phillies. Following the departure of starting right fielder ], Francisco earned a regular spot in the Phillies' starting lineup at the onset of the 2011 season. By mid season, however, Francisco returned to his reserve role.


On January 15, 2011, Francisco signed a one-year, $1.175 million contract with the Phillies, avoiding arbitration.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 15, 2011 |title=Phillies, Francisco avoid arbitration |url=http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20110115&content_id=16443768&vkey=pr_phi&fext=.jsp&c_id=phi |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120229042207/http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20110115&content_id=16443768&vkey=pr_phi&fext=.jsp&c_id=phi |archive-date=February 29, 2012 |access-date=September 21, 2024 |website=] |publisher=]}}</ref> Following the departure of starting right fielder ], Francisco earned a regular spot in the Phillies' starting lineup at the onset of the 2011 season. By midseason, however, Francisco returned to his reserve role.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ben Francisco 2011 Batting Game Logs |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=francbe01&t=b&year=2011 |access-date=September 21, 2024 |website=] |language=en}}</ref> He batted .244 with six home runs and 34 RBI in 100 games.<ref name="bbreffranciscomaj" />
⚫ Though limited in play during the second half of the year, this year Francisco will most notably be remembered for his clutch performance in Game 3 of the 2011 NLDS against the St. Louis Cardinals. In a scoreless game, with ] on second, the Cardinals elected to intentionally walk ] in order to face Francisco. After nearly hitting a home run against ] a few weeks earlier, Francisco blasted a 405-foot home run into the Phillies' bullpen. Francisco ended up being the winning run in a game where the Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Cardinals 3–2.

⚫ Though limited in play during the second half of the year, Francisco had a clutch performance in Game 3 of the ] against the ]. In a scoreless game, with ] on second, the Cardinals elected to intentionally walk ] in order to face Francisco. After nearly hitting a home run against ] a few weeks earlier, Francisco blasted a 405-foot home run into the Phillies' bullpen. Francisco's home run ended up being the deciding factor as the Phillies defeated the Cardinals 3–2.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stark |first=Jayson |date=October 4, 2011 |title=Stark: A stunner in St. Louis |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/playoffs/2011/story/_/id/7060807/ben-francisco-blast-puts-philadelphia-phillies-charge |access-date=September 21, 2024 |website=] |language=en}}</ref> The Phillies would go on to lose the series to the Cardinals in five games.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2011 NL Division Series - St. Louis Cardinals over Philadelphia Phillies (3-2) |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/2011_NLDS1.shtml |access-date=September 21, 2024 |website=] |language=en}}</ref>


===Toronto Blue Jays=== ===Toronto Blue Jays===
On December 12, 2011, he was traded to the ] in exchange for minor leaguer Frank Gailey.<ref>http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111212&content_id=26149028&vkey=news_phi&c_id=phi</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Toronto Blue Jays Acquire Outfielder Ben Francisco|url=http://www.bluejays101.com/2011/12/12/toronto-blue-jays-acquire-outfielder-ben-francisco-2/}}</ref> On December 12, 2011, Francisco was traded to the ] in exchange for minor leaguer Frank Gailey.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zolecki |first=Todd |date=December 12, 2011 |title=Phils deal Francisco for Minor League reliever |url=http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111212&content_id=26149028&vkey=news_phi&c_id=phi |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108052220/http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111212&content_id=26149028&vkey=news_phi&c_id=phi |archive-date=January 8, 2012 |access-date=September 21, 2024 |website=] |publisher=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Baasch |first=Ryan |date=December 12, 2011 |title=Toronto Blue Jays Acquire Outfielder Ben Francisco |url=http://www.bluejays101.com/2011/12/12/toronto-blue-jays-acquire-outfielder-ben-francisco-2/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304035740/http://www.bluejays101.com/2011/12/12/toronto-blue-jays-acquire-outfielder-ben-francisco-2/ |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |access-date=June 11, 2019 |website=Blue Jays 101}}</ref>


===Houston Astros=== ===Houston Astros===
On July 20, 2012, the Blue Jays traded Francisco, ], ], ], ], ], and a ] (])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://m.mlb.com/news/article/36795536//|title=Blue Jays send Comer to Astros to complete swap|website=MLB.com|publisher=MLB.com|accessdate=August 16, 2012}}</ref> to the ] for ], ], and ].<ref>{{cite news|title=Astros make 10 player trade with Toronto|url=http://www.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120720&content_id=35238954&vkey=pr_hou&c_id=hou&partnerId=aw-7119523136731341375-996|accessdate=20 July 2012|date=20 July 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://m.mlb.com/news/article/36795536//|title=Blue Jays send Comer to Astros to complete swap|website=MLB.com|publisher=MLB.com|accessdate=August 16, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Dave Zangaro Staff Writer |url=http://www.burlingtoncountytimes.com/c102ea5f-62aa-5518-807e-2834f0936cd3.html |title=Blue Jays trade Comer to Astros - News - Burlington County Times - Willingboro, NJ |publisher=Burlington County Times |date= |accessdate=November 28, 2017}}</ref> On July 20, 2012, the Blue Jays traded Francisco, ], ], ], ], ], and a ] (])<ref name="auto">{{cite web |last=Chisholm |first=Gregor |date=August 16, 2012 |title=Blue Jays send Comer to Astros to complete swap |url=http://m.mlb.com/news/article/36795536// |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160830132514/http://m.mlb.com/news/article/36795536 |archive-date=August 30, 2016 |access-date=August 16, 2012 |work=] |publisher=]}}</ref> to the ] for ], ], and ].<ref>{{cite news |date=July 20, 2012 |title=Astros make 10 player trade with Toronto |url=https://www.mlb.com/astros/news/astros-make-10-player-trade-with-toronto/c-35238954 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191213140136/https://www.mlb.com/astros/news/astros-make-10-player-trade-with-toronto/c-35238954 |archive-date=December 13, 2019 |access-date=July 20, 2012 |work=] |publisher=]}}</ref><ref name="auto"/><ref>{{cite web |author=Zangaro |first=Dave |date=August 17, 2012 |title=Blue Jays trade Comer to Astros |url=http://www.burlingtoncountytimes.com/c102ea5f-62aa-5518-807e-2834f0936cd3.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180623034919/http://www.burlingtoncountytimes.com/c102ea5f-62aa-5518-807e-2834f0936cd3.html |archive-date=June 23, 2018 |access-date=November 28, 2017 |website=]}}</ref>


===Tampa Bay Rays=== ===Tampa Bay Rays===
On August 31, 2012, the ] acquired Francisco for a player to be named later.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 31, 2012 |title=Rays acquire outfielder Ben Francisco from Astros |url=https://www.mlb.com/rays/news/rays-acquire-outfielder-ben-francisco-from-astros/c-37674350 |access-date=September 21, 2024 |website=] |publisher=] |language=en}}</ref> He finished the 2012 season hitting a combined .240 with four home runs and 15 RBI in 82 games with Toronto, Houston and Tampa Bay.<ref name="bbreffranciscomaj" />
On August 31, 2012, the ] acquired Francisco for a player to be named later.

===Return to Indians===
On January 21, 2013, Francisco signed a minor-league deal with the ]. The Indians released him on March 11, 2013.


===New York Yankees=== ===New York Yankees===
On January 21, 2013, Francisco signed a minor league contract with the ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 21, 2013 |title=Indians sign a pair of players; INF/OF Ryan Raburn & OF Ben Francisco |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/indians-invite-raburn--francisco-to-camp/c-41070274 |access-date=September 21, 2024 |website=] |publisher=] |language=en}}</ref> The Indians released him on March 11.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nicholson-Smith |first=Ben |date=March 11, 2013 |title=Indians Release Ben Francisco |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/03/indians-release-ben-francisco.html |access-date=September 21, 2024 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |language=en-US}}</ref>
On March 11, 2013, Francisco signed a minor-league deal with the ]. He was added to the Yankees' ] roster. He was used as the ] against left-handed pitchers but struggled drastically batting .103 in the month of April. Francisco was designated for assignment on May 26, and was released from the team on June 3, 2013.<ref>http://scores.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=330603110</ref>

On March 11, 2013, Francisco signed a minor league contract with the ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 11, 2013 |title=Yankees sign outfielder Ben Francisco |url=https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/yankees-sign-outfielder-ben-francisco/c-42605554 |access-date=September 21, 2013 |website=] |publisher=] |language=en}}</ref> He was added to the Yankees' ] roster.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Axisa |first=Mike |date=March 31, 2013 |title=Yankees finalize Opening Day roster |url=https://riveraveblues.com/2013/03/yankees-finalize-opening-day-roster-84340/ |access-date=September 21, 2024 |website=River Avenue Blues}}</ref> He was used as the ] against left-handed pitchers but struggled drastically batting .103 in the month of April.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ben Francisco 2013 Batting Game Logs |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=francbe01&t=b&year=2013 |access-date=September 21, 2024 |website=] |language=en}}</ref> Francisco was designated for assignment on May 26,<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 26, 2013 |title=Ben Francisco designated for assignment |url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/ben-francisco-designated-for-assignment/ |access-date=September 21, 2024 |website=] |language=en}}</ref> and was released from the team on June 3.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 3, 2013 |title=Mark Teixeira hits grand slam for season's first HR as Yanks win |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=330603110 |access-date=June 11, 2019 |website=] |agency=]}}</ref> He hit .114 with four runs scored, a home run and RBI in 21 games.<ref name="bbreffranciscomaj" />


===Lancaster Barnstormers=== ===Lancaster Barnstormers===
On June 8, 2014, Francisco signed with the Lancaster Barnstormers of the Atlantic League. He was active for the Barnstormers next game the following day against the Camden Riversharks.<ref>http://lancasteronline.com/sports/barnstormers/former-phillie-ben-francisco-joins-barnstormers/article_c7b4e628-efdb-11e3-bd2d-0017a43b2370.html</ref> On June 8, 2014, Francisco signed with the ] of the ]. He was active for the Barnstormers next game the following day against the ].<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=June 9, 2014 |title=Former Phillie Ben Francisco joins Barnstormers |url=https://lancasteronline.com/sports/barnstormers/former-phillie-ben-francisco-joins-barnstormers/article_c7b4e628-efdb-11e3-bd2d-0017a43b2370.html |access-date=June 11, 2019 |website=]}}</ref> In 57 games for Lancaster, Francisco slashed .242/.303/.390 with six home runs, 27 RBI, and four stolen bases.

===Arizona Diamondbacks===
On December 15, 2014, Francisco signed a minor league contract with the ]. On March 15, 2015, he was released by the Diamondbacks.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2015/03/minor-moves-ben-francisco-jiwan-james.html|title=Minor Moves: Ben Francisco, Jiwan James|last=Creech|first=Edward|work=mlbtraderumors.com|date=March 15, 2015|accessdate=March 16, 2015}}</ref>


===Rieleros de Aguascalientes=== ===Rieleros de Aguascalientes===
On December 15, 2014, Francisco signed a minor league contract with the ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Adams |first=Steve |last2=Todd |first2=Jeff |date=December 15, 2014 |title=Minor Moves: Teahen, Pridie, Kelly, Worth, Francisco |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2014/12/minor-moves-teahen-pridie-kelly-worth-francisco.html |access-date=September 21, 2024 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |language=en-US}}</ref> On March 15, 2015, he was released by the Diamondbacks.<ref>{{cite web |last=Creech |first=Edward |date=March 15, 2015 |title=Minor Moves: Ben Francisco, Jiwan James |url=http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2015/03/minor-moves-ben-francisco-jiwan-james.html |access-date=March 16, 2015 |work=MLB Trade Rumors}}</ref>
⚫ On May 8, 2015, Francisco signed with the ] of the ]. He was released on May 24, 2015.

⚫ On May 8, 2015, Francisco signed with the ] of the ]. In 14 games for Aguascalientes, he batted .244/.346/.267 with no home runs and five RBI. Francisco was released by the Rieleros on May 24.

⚫ ==Post-playing career==
⚫ In 2016, Francisco was hired by the ] as a scout.


In 2022, Francisco was inducted into the ], in recognition of his three seasons with the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://buffalonews.com/sports/baseball/inside-baseball-ben-franciscos-consistency-lands-him-in-buffalo-hall/article_a1ebde9a-0a96-11ed-b3f0-a73c1c59165f.html#tracking-source=home-sports|title=Ben Francisco's consistency lands him in Buffalo Hall|last=Harrington|first=Mike|date=July 28, 2022|work=]}}</ref>
⚫ ===Post-playing career===
⚫ In 2016, he was hired by the ] as a scout.


==References== ==References==
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==External links== ==External links==
{{Commons category|Ben Francisco}} {{commons category|Ben Francisco}}
{{Portal|Biography|Baseball}} {{Portal|Biography|Baseball}}
{{baseballstats |mlb=450204 |espn=28672 |br=f/francbe01 |fangraphs=4677 |cube=20494 |brm=franci001lou}} {{baseballstats|mlb=450204|espn=28672|br=f/francbe01|fangraphs=4677|brm=franci001lou|retro=F/Pfranb001}}
* at Astros Daily


{{DEFAULTSORT:Francisco, Ben}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Francisco, Ben}}
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Latest revision as of 15:32, 25 December 2024

American baseball player (born 1981)

Baseball player
Ben Francisco
Francisco with the Rays in 2012
Outfielder
Born: (1981-10-23) October 23, 1981 (age 43)
Santa Ana, California, U.S.
Batted: RightThrew: Right
MLB debut
May 1, 2007, for the Cleveland Indians
Last MLB appearance
May 17, 2013, for the New York Yankees
MLB statistics
Batting average.253
Home runs50
Runs batted in190
Stats at Baseball Reference Edit this at Wikidata
Teams

Louis Benjamin Francisco (born October 23, 1981), is an American former professional baseball outfielder, who is currently a major league scout for the Los Angeles Angels. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Cleveland Indians, Philadelphia Phillies, Toronto Blue Jays, Houston Astros, Tampa Bay Rays, and New York Yankees.

Early life

Francisco is a 1999 graduate of Servite High School, a Roman Catholic high school for boys, in Anaheim, California where he played on the same baseball team as former Indians teammate Ryan Garko. He later attended and played baseball at Cypress Junior College in 2000 and went on to play at the University of California, Los Angeles in 2001 through 2003.

Professional career

Francisco during his tenure with the Cleveland Indians in 2008.

Cleveland Indians

Francisco was selected by the Cleveland Indians in the fifth round (154th overall) of the 2002 Major League Baseball Draft. He was called up from the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons on May 1, 2007, and made his major league debut that night as a late-game defensive replacement. On June 29, Francisco got his first hit and his first home run in his first major league start. His home run came leading off the bottom of the ninth inning, helping the Indians to a 2–1, walk-off win over the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Francisco played in 25 games with Cleveland during the 2007 season, batting .278 with three home runs and 12 RBI.

Though Francisco had a strong performance during spring training in 2008 (.362 average, three home runs, 9 RBI, .617 slugging percentage), he was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo on March 27. Francisco was recalled on April 22 when Jake Westbrook was placed on the disabled list. After a two-game stint, he was optioned back to Buffalo, and recalled again on May 6. On June 5 against the Texas Rangers, Francisco became the fourth Indians rookie since 1948 to record five hits in a game, and the first since Tommy Hinzo in 1987. Francisco ultimately finished the season batting .266 with 15 home runs and 54 RBI in 121 games.

Francisco began the 2009 season with a .250 batting average, 10 home runs and 33 RBI in 89 games with Cleveland.

Philadelphia Phillies

On July 29, 2009, Francisco was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies along with reigning Cy Young Award winner Cliff Lee, for a selection of top minor league prospects including Carlos Carrasco, Jason Donald, Lou Marson, and Jason Knapp. He spent the remainder of 2009 as a reserve outfielder and pinch hitter with the Phillies, playing in 37 games and hitting .278 with five home runs and 13 RBI. Francisco also saw time during Philadelphia's postseason run, going hitless in 11 at bats while recording one walk in 11 games.

In his first full season in Philadelphia, Francisco batted .268 with six home runs and 28 RBI in 88 games. He recorded his first career postseason hit and run scored in the 2010 National League Championship Series, which ended in a series loss to the San Francisco Giants.

On January 15, 2011, Francisco signed a one-year, $1.175 million contract with the Phillies, avoiding arbitration. Following the departure of starting right fielder Jayson Werth, Francisco earned a regular spot in the Phillies' starting lineup at the onset of the 2011 season. By midseason, however, Francisco returned to his reserve role. He batted .244 with six home runs and 34 RBI in 100 games.

Though limited in play during the second half of the year, Francisco had a clutch performance in Game 3 of the 2011 National League Division Series against the St. Louis Cardinals. In a scoreless game, with Shane Victorino on second, the Cardinals elected to intentionally walk Carlos Ruiz in order to face Francisco. After nearly hitting a home run against Jaime Garcia a few weeks earlier, Francisco blasted a 405-foot home run into the Phillies' bullpen. Francisco's home run ended up being the deciding factor as the Phillies defeated the Cardinals 3–2. The Phillies would go on to lose the series to the Cardinals in five games.

Toronto Blue Jays

On December 12, 2011, Francisco was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for minor leaguer Frank Gailey.

Houston Astros

On July 20, 2012, the Blue Jays traded Francisco, Francisco Cordero, Asher Wojciechowski, David Rollins, Joe Musgrove, Carlos Pérez, and a player to be named later (Kevin Comer) to the Houston Astros for J. A. Happ, Brandon Lyon, and David Carpenter.

Tampa Bay Rays

On August 31, 2012, the Tampa Bay Rays acquired Francisco for a player to be named later. He finished the 2012 season hitting a combined .240 with four home runs and 15 RBI in 82 games with Toronto, Houston and Tampa Bay.

New York Yankees

On January 21, 2013, Francisco signed a minor league contract with the Cleveland Indians. The Indians released him on March 11.

On March 11, 2013, Francisco signed a minor league contract with the New York Yankees. He was added to the Yankees' Opening Day roster. He was used as the designated hitter against left-handed pitchers but struggled drastically batting .103 in the month of April. Francisco was designated for assignment on May 26, and was released from the team on June 3. He hit .114 with four runs scored, a home run and RBI in 21 games.

Lancaster Barnstormers

On June 8, 2014, Francisco signed with the Lancaster Barnstormers of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. He was active for the Barnstormers next game the following day against the Camden Riversharks. In 57 games for Lancaster, Francisco slashed .242/.303/.390 with six home runs, 27 RBI, and four stolen bases.

Rieleros de Aguascalientes

On December 15, 2014, Francisco signed a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks. On March 15, 2015, he was released by the Diamondbacks.

On May 8, 2015, Francisco signed with the Rieleros de Aguascalientes of the Mexican League. In 14 games for Aguascalientes, he batted .244/.346/.267 with no home runs and five RBI. Francisco was released by the Rieleros on May 24.

Post-playing career

In 2016, Francisco was hired by the Los Angeles Angels as a scout.

In 2022, Francisco was inducted into the Buffalo Baseball Hall of Fame, in recognition of his three seasons with the Buffalo Bisons.

References

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  13. Stark, Jayson (October 4, 2011). "Stark: A stunner in St. Louis". ESPN. Retrieved September 21, 2024.
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  17. ^ Chisholm, Gregor (August 16, 2012). "Blue Jays send Comer to Astros to complete swap". Toronto Blue Jays. MLB.com. Archived from the original on August 30, 2016. Retrieved August 16, 2012.
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  30. Creech, Edward (March 15, 2015). "Minor Moves: Ben Francisco, Jiwan James". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved March 16, 2015.
  31. Harrington, Mike (July 28, 2022). "Ben Francisco's consistency lands him in Buffalo Hall". The Buffalo News.

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