Jeff Francis

Francis attended Burnsview Junior Secondary School and North Delta Senior Secondary School in North Delta, British Columbia. After playing for the North Delta Blue Jays of the B.C. Premier Baseball League, the highest calibre junior league in British Columbia, Francis went on to pursue a major in physics at the University of British Columbia while playing for the UBC Thunderbirds.

Francis was selected in the 1st round (9th 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.{{cite web | url=https://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=211 | title=Top 10 Canadian Draft Picks }}

In 2004, Francis was named Minor League Player of the Year by both Baseball America and USA Today, becoming the first player in Colorado Rockies organizational history to win either of the awards. He became the fourth player to be honoured 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.

File:TheDelivery JeffFrancis.jpg in 2007]]

Francis made his major league debut on August 25, {{mlby|2004}}, against the Atlanta Braves, 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{{fraction|1|3}} scoreless innings in a 5–2 victory for the Rockies. Francis finished the year with a 3–2 record, with a 5.16 ERA.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/player/stats/_/id/6038/jeff-francis |title=Jeff Francis Stats, News, Photos – Colorado Rockies – ESPN |publisher=ESPN |date=1981-01-08 |access-date=2011-01-14}}

In 2005, Francis was a mainstay in the rotation, pitching in 33 starts for the Rockies. Although he finished with a 14–12 record, his ERA was 5.68 and his WHIP was at 1.62 while allowing 228 hits in 183 innings.

On September 23, {{mlby|2006}}, 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.

Francis finished the season with an ERA of 4.16, more than a run lower from the previous year. He also won 13 games for the Rockies.

On November 22, 2006, Francis signed a four-year deal worth $13.25 million, carrying an option for a fifth year at $9 million. 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.

Francis had a career year while leading the Rockies into the playoffs for the first time in over a decade. He finished the season with a career-best 17 wins, 165 strikeouts and {{frac|215|1|3}} innings.

On October 3, {{mlby|2007}}, Francis became the first Canadian starting pitcher to win a Major League Baseball postseason game by beating the Philadelphia Phillies. It was his first postseason appearance.

On October 24, 2007, Francis became the second 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, as well as the series to the Boston Red Sox.

Like many of his Rockies teammates, Francis struggled to replicate his 2007 success during the {{mlby|2008}} 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.{{cite news|url=http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090219&content_id=3849784&vkey=news_col&fext=.jsp&c_id=col |title=Francis' season over before it started |first=Thomas |last=Harding |work=MLB.com |date=2009-02-19 |access-date=2009-02-20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090222204819/http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090219&content_id=3849784&vkey=news_col&fext=.jsp&c_id=col |archive-date=2009-02-22 }} In addition, the surgery forced Francis to decline the invitation to play for Team Canada in the 2009 World Baseball Classic.{{cite news |url=http://www2.canada.com/sports/2010wintergames/canada+roster+lacks+pitching/1325041/story.html?id=1325041. |title=Canada's WBC roster has pop, lacks pitching |first=Don |last=McGowan |date=2009-02-24 |access-date=2009-03-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120609141932/http://www2.canada.com/sports/2010wintergames/canada+roster+lacks+pitching/1325041/story.html?id=1325041. |archive-date=2012-06-09 }}

Francis began the 2010 season on the disabled list.{{cite web|url=http://www.denverpost.com/2010/04/02/rockies-jeff-francis-injured-will-miss-start-of-season/|title=Rockies' Jeff Francis injured, will miss start of season|last=Armstrong|first=Jim|work=denverpost.com|date=April 2, 2010|access-date=July 29, 2016}} 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.{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/boxscore?gameId=300516127&teams=washington-nationals-vs-colorado-rockies |title=Washington Nationals vs. Colorado Rockies – Box Score – May 16, 2010 – ESPN |publisher=ESPN |date=2010-05-16 |access-date=2011-01-14}} Francis pitched in 20 games for the Rockies in 2010 posting a 4–6 record with a 5.00 ERA. He became a free agent following the season.

File:Jeff Francis on May 26, 2011 (1).jpg]]

On January 14, 2011, Francis agreed to a one-year contract with the Kansas City Royals for $2 million plus performance bonuses.{{cite press release|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20110114&content_id=16436268&vkey=pr_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |title=Royals agree to terms with pitcher Jeff Francis on a one-year contract | royals.com: Official Info |publisher=Mlb.mlb.com |date=2008-03-18 |access-date=2011-01-14}}

He became Kansas City's #2 Starter and led them in most pitching categories throughout the first half of the year.

2011 was an odd season for Francis, he was 3–7 at home with an ERA of 4.18 while on the road his ERA was a full run higher, at 5.48 while recording a record of 3–9. He finished with a 6–16 record for the Royals. After the season, he elected free agency on October 30.

On January 25, 2012, Francis agreed to a minor league contract with the Cincinnati Reds.{{cite web|url=http://www.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/22297882/34577879 |title=Reds sign Francis to minor-league contract – CBSSports.com |publisher=cbssports.com |access-date=12 January 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140112101307/http://www.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/22297882/34577879 |archive-date=12 January 2014 }} Francis decided to exercise a June 1 opt-out clause after pitching a complete-game shutout for the Triple A Louisville Bats.{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120604&content_id=32742452&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb|title=Reds release veteran Francis at his request – MLB.com: News|publisher=mlb.mlb.com|access-date=12 January 2014}}

File:Jeff Francis 2012 (1).jpg in 2012]]

After opting out of his contract with the Reds, Francis agreed to a major league deal with the Rockies on June 7, 2012.{{cite news|last1=Harding|first1=Thomas|title=Francis returns to Rockies, to start Saturday|url=http://m.rockies.mlb.com/news/article/32951174/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150427142949/http://m.rockies.mlb.com/news/article/32951174/|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 27, 2015|access-date=April 19, 2015|work=MLB.com|date=June 7, 2012}} The next day, he started against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.{{cite news|title=Francis rejoins rotation in time to face Angels|url=http://m.rockies.mlb.com/news/article/32990678/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304060345/http://m.rockies.mlb.com/news/article/32990678/|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 4, 2016|access-date=April 19, 2015|work=MLB.com|date=June 8, 2012}} Francis finished the season in the rotation with an ERA of 5.58 in 113 innings.

After becoming a free agent on October 29, 2012, Francis re-signed with the Colorado Rockies on December 19.{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20121205&content_id=40548952&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb|title=Francis re-signs with Rockies, pending a physical|last=Harding|first=Thomas|work=MLB.com|date=December 6, 2012|access-date=December 7, 2012}}

2013 was a horrible year for Francis as he pitched half the season in the bullpen, appearing in 23 games while making 12 starts. He finished 3–5 with an ERA of 6.27, his worst in his MLB career. He became a free agent following the season.

On January 13, 2014, Francis signed a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training with the Cincinnati Reds.{{cite web|url=http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/01/13/reds-sign-jeff-francis/|title=Reds sign Jeff Francis|last=Gleeman|first=Aaron|work=nbcsports.com|date=January 13, 2014|access-date=January 13, 2014}} He started the season with the Louisville Bats, and his contract was selected by the Reds on May 15.{{cite news|last1=Sheldon|first1=Mark|title=Francis called up, makes debut in nightcap|url=http://m.reds.mlb.com/news/article/75570216/francis-called-up-makes-debut-in-nightcap|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150427111216/http://m.reds.mlb.com/news/article/75570216/francis-called-up-makes-debut-in-nightcap|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 27, 2015|access-date=April 19, 2015|work=MLB.com|date=May 15, 2014}} He was designated for assignment and placed on waivers the next day{{cite news|last1=Sheldon|first1=Mark|title=Mesoraco returns to Reds lineup, homers in first AB|url=http://m.reds.mlb.com/news/article/75698584/mesoraco-returns-to-reds-lineup-homers-in-first-ab|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150427142828/http://m.reds.mlb.com/news/article/75698584/mesoraco-returns-to-reds-lineup-homers-in-first-ab|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 27, 2015|access-date=April 19, 2015|work=MLB.com|date=May 16, 2014}} after allowing three runs in five innings to pick up the loss in his one start for the Reds.{{cite news|last1=Sheldon|first1=Mark|title=Reds' offense stymied in nightcap with Friars|url=http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2014_05_15_sdnmlb_cinmlb_2&mode=recap&c_id=cin|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140521073312/http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2014_05_15_sdnmlb_cinmlb_2&mode=recap&c_id=cin|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 21, 2014|access-date=April 19, 2015|work=MLB.com|date=May 15, 2014}}

On May 18, 2014, Francis was claimed off waivers from the Reds by the Oakland Athletics.{{cite web|url=http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/05/18/athletics-pick-up-jeff-francis-off-of-waivers-from-the-reds/|title=Athletics pick up Jeff Francis off waivers from the Reds|last=Baer|first=Bill|work=hardballtalk.nbcsports.com|date=May 18, 2014|access-date=May 18, 2014}} He was designated for assignment on July 3.{{cite news|last1=Leibowitz|first1=Aaron|title=O'Flaherty returns to big leagues as A's DFA Francis|url=http://m.athletics.mlb.com/news/article/82918752/oflaherty-returns-to-big-leagues-as-as-dfa-francis|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150427111217/http://m.athletics.mlb.com/news/article/82918752/oflaherty-returns-to-big-leagues-as-as-dfa-francis|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 27, 2015|access-date=April 19, 2015|work=MLB.com|date=July 3, 2014}}

On July 11, 2014, Francis was acquired by the New York Yankees.{{cite news|title=Yankees get LHP Francis in trade with Athletics|url=https://www.espn.com/espn/wire?section=mlb&id=11204604|access-date=July 12, 2014|agency=Associated Press|work=ESPN.com|date=July 11, 2014}} He was designated for assignment on July 28,{{cite news|last1=Hoch|first1=Bryan|title=Almonte rejoins Yanks as Francis designated|url=http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/86753034/almonte-rejoins-yanks-as-francis-designated|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150427142830/http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/86753034/almonte-rejoins-yanks-as-francis-designated|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 27, 2015|access-date=April 19, 2015|work=MLB.com|date=July 28, 2014}} and subsequently released on August 5.{{cite news|last1=Eddy|first1=Matt|title=Minor League Transactions: Oct. 31-Nov. 6|url=http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/minor-league-transactions-oct-31-nov-6-2/|access-date=April 19, 2015|work=Baseball America|date=November 10, 2014}}

On October 31, 2014, he signed a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays that included an invitation to spring training. On March 31, 2015, he was assigned to the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons.{{cite web|url=https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/bautista-encarnacion-homer-blue-jays-10-6-win-231229921--mlb.html|title=Bautista, Encarnacion each homer for Blue Jays in a 10-6 win over the Phillies|last=Odom|first=Jeff|work=ca.sports.yahoo.com|date=March 31, 2015|access-date=March 31, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402155042/https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/bautista-encarnacion-homer-blue-jays-10-6-win-231229921--mlb.html|archive-date=April 2, 2015}} His contract was purchased from Buffalo on April 19.{{cite web|url=http://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/mlb/blue-jays-call-up-lhp-jeff-francis-option-hynes/|title=Blue Jays call up LHP Jeff Francis, option Hynes|last=Galindo|first=Peter|work=Sportsnet|date=April 19, 2015|access-date=April 19, 2015}} He made his debut that day, and in pitching to Russell Martin, formed the first all-Canadian battery in franchise history.{{cite web|url=http://fantasynews.cbssports.com/fantasybaseball/update/25155403/jeff-francis-russell-martin-become-blue-jays-first-canadian-battery|title=Jeff Francis, Russell Martin become Blue Jays' first Canadian battery|last=Leshinski|first=Ted|work=fantasynews.cbssports.com|date=April 19, 2015|access-date=April 19, 2015}} Francis was designated for assignment on May 18,{{cite web|url=http://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/mlb/blue-jays-designated-lhp-francis-for-assignment/|title=Blue Jays designate LHP Francis for assignment|work=Sportsnet|date=May 18, 2015|access-date=May 18, 2015}} and outrighted to Triple-A Buffalo on May 20.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/SNBarryDavis/status/601077833448849408|title=Barry Davis on Twitter|work=Twitter|date=May 20, 2015|access-date=May 20, 2015}} On September 1, Francis was called up by the Blue Jays.{{cite web|url=http://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/mlb/blue-jays-set-to-promote-five-as-rosters-expand/|title=Blue Jays promote five players as rosters expand|last=Nicholson-Smith|first=Ben|work=Sportsnet|date=September 1, 2015|access-date=September 1, 2015}} He made a total of 14 relief appearances for the Blue Jays in 2015, posting a 1–2 record, 6.14 ERA, and 21 strikeouts in 22 total innings.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/f/francje01.shtml|title=Jeff Francis Statistics and History|work=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=December 15, 2015}}

On December 15, 2015, Francis announced his retirement.{{cite web|url=http://m.bluejays.mlb.com/news/article/159713106/former-rockies-pitcher-jeff-francis-retires|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151218020828/http://m.bluejays.mlb.com/news/article/159713106/former-rockies-pitcher-jeff-francis-retires|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 18, 2015|title=Memorable Rockie Francis calls it a career|last=Harding|first=Thomas|work=MLB.com|date=December 15, 2015|access-date=December 15, 2015}}

In 1291 innings pitched during his MLB career, Francis was 72–82 with an ERA of 4.97 and 869 strikeouts. A good fielding pitcher, he committed only one error in 255 total chances for a .996 fielding percentage.{{cite web|url=https://retrosheet.org/boxesetc/F/Pfranj003.htm|title=Jeff Francis career statistics at retrosheet.org|website=retrosheet.org|access-date=December 29, 2022}} His only miscue occurred on June 28, 2008, as a member of the Rockies against the Tigers.{{cite web |url=https://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/2008/B06280DET2008.htm |title=Detroit Tigers 7, Colorado Rockies 6 |website=Retrosheet |date=June 28, 2008 |accessdate=September 13, 2022}}

In February 2022, Francis was elected to the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame; he was inducted in June 2022.{{cite web |url=https://baseballhalloffame.ca/hall-of-famer/jeff-francis-2/ |title=Jeff Francis |website=baseballhalloffame.ca |accessdate=September 13, 2022}}

{{BLP unreferenced section|date=September 2022}}

Francis and his wife Allison Padfield were married on December 31, 2005, in London, Ontario. In late 2009, Allison gave birth to the couple's first child, a daughter named Cameron. In December 2011, Allison gave birth to their son, Miles.

Francis was selected for Canada national baseball team at the 2006 World Baseball Classic and 2015 Pan American Games.

In 2015 Pan American Games Men's baseball tournament, he won gold medal.{{cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/panamgames/2015/07/19/canada-wins-pan-am-baseball-gold-in-wild-finish.html|title=Canada defends Pan Am baseball gold in wild finish against Americans|last=Kennedy|first=Brendan|work=thestar.com|date=July 19, 2015|access-date=July 20, 2015}}

{{reflist|2}}

{{Portal|Biography|Baseball|Canada}}

• {{cite magazine |url=http://www.symmetrymagazine.org/cms/?pid=1000342 |title=A Magnus Force on the Mound: Major league pitcher Jeff Francis brings an educated insight to the physics of baseball |first=Mike |last=Perricone |magazine=symmetry |date=June 2006 |volume=3 |issue=5 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927224006/http://www.symmetrymagazine.org/cms/?pid=1000342 |archive-date=September 27, 2007 |via=Wayback Machine}}

{{commons category}}

{{baseballstats |mlb=433585 |espn=6038 |br=f/francje01 |fangraphs=4684 |brm=franci001jef |retro=F/Pfranj003}}, or [https://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=francje01 Baseball Almanac]

{{Baseball America Minor League Player of the Year Award}}

{{USA Today Minor League Player of the Year Award}}

{{2002 MLB Draft}}

{{Colorado Rockies first-round draft picks}}

{{Canada roster 2006 World Baseball Classic}}

{{Canada 2015 Pan-American Games Baseball Team}}

{{Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Francis, Jeff}}

Category:1981 births

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