DeGold Francis

DeGold Fairchild Francis

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 5' 11", Weight 175 lb.

• Born February 3, 1946, in St. Croix. U.S. Virgin Islands
• Died 2005

BR Minors page

Biographical Information

Catcher-first baseman DeGold Francis had the kind of bat that could have landed him in the majors. "A very strong and intimidating hitter," said Horace Clarke, who knew Francis from St. Croix. Francis led the Puerto Rican league in home runs with 14 during the 1967-68 season, though he hit just .225. He used to joke with Elmo Plaskett that he'd have cost Elmo his Puerto Rican Triple Crown if he'd been there except for the homers he lost to rainouts; Elmo countered that he lost eight himself.

"I'm gonna be honest with you, he was a lot better than me," sid José Morales, who also knew Francis from St. Croix. "He had power, man, and a good arm, but he was lazy." Joe Christopher also thinks Francis should have gotten a lot more out of his ability.

DeGold was a long-ball threat in the minors for the Giants, peaking with 30 homers for Fresno in the California League in 1966. He was once invited to training camp with the Reds, but after a fling in Mexico and a last shot in the Pirates system, he went home to St. Croix and became a fireman. He retired after winning a local lottery and a settlement from Hurricane Hugo. Although details are lacking, according to Joe Christopher's brother Alfred Christopher. Francis reportedly died in 2005.

Related Sites

• Other Virgin Islanders in Latin America