T.J. Franco

Thomas Edward Franco Jr.
(T.J.)

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 2", Weight 190 lb.
• School University of San Francisco
• High School Chaminade College Preparatory School (West Hills)

• Born June 28, 1983 in Tarzana, CA USA

BR Minors page

Biographical Information

Pitcher T.J. Franco was selected by the Oakland Athletics in the 30th round of the 2005 amateur draft and played three seasons in their organization.

Franco was 0-6 with a 9.39 ERA as a college freshman with 29 walks in 38 1/3 innings, battling injuries during the year. In 2003, the sophomore had a 1-1, 6.75 record with a .356 opponent average. As a junior, T.J. improved to 5-4, 5.97. During his senior campaign, the right-hander went 4-3 with a save and a 4.29 ERA. He was then drafted by the A's.

The Tarzana native was 5-6 with a 3.66 ERA in his pro debut with the AZL Athletics. He finished 7th in the Arizona League in ERA but tied Omar Poveda for the lead in losses. In 2006, T.J. pitched for the Kane County Cougars (3-2, 3 Sv, 5.84) and the Vancouver Canadians (1-0, 2 Sv, 2.76).

Franco pitched in 2007 for the Stockton Ports (0-1, 5.73 in 22 G) and the Cougars (2-2, 2 Sv, 2.67 in 17 G) to wrap up his career.