Former Phillies slugger officially announces retirement, TV deal

Phillies history was filled with Jeff Francoeur both in and out of red pinstripes

When he wasn’t hitting home runs against the Phillies as a member of the Braves, Jeff Francoeur was manning right field in Citizens Bank Park with a cannon throwing arm.

Now the slugger is returning to Atlanta to be a television color analyst for Fox Sports for Braves games.

Francoeur spent six years with the Braves over two stints of a 12-year major league career. His 2005 rookie season in Atlanta earned him third-place in the National League rookie of the year voting behind his future teammate Ryan Howard.

His career stretched across eight cities, mostly in the National League with the Braves, Mets, Marlins, and Phils. San Diego, San Francisco, Kansas City, and Texas were also homes to the slugger, who retires with 160 career longballs.

As a member of the Phillies in 2015, Francoeur hit 13 home runs with 45 RBIs in 118 games.

As an opponent, he hit 11 home runs and totaled 104 hits in 107 career games versus Philadelphia.

While his time in pinstripes was short and during a period of rebuilding Francoeur found himself in the Phillies history books multiple times.

His throw to home plate to complete a game-ending double-play nearly two-years to the day helped Jonathan Papelbon set the Phillies all-time saves record.

A month after that he made his debut as a pitcher, throwing two innings against the Orioles in a blowout loss. He allowed two runs on one hit and three walks after throwing 48 pitches on the road.

Next: Phillies Opposition Roadblock: Washington Nationals

Best of luck to Francoeur and his family as he begins a new journey in his baseball career.