Community Corner

Parkview Legend Jeff Francoeur Signs with Giants, Awaits Birth of First Child

In addition to being back in the major leagues, the former Panthers star also plans to fly back to Atlanta on Monday for the birth of his baby girl.

By Steve Burns

Former Atlanta Braves and Gwinnett high school phenom Jeff Francoeur is back in the major leagues. And that is not the only reason he feels "rejuvenated."

Francoeur, who was cut loose by Kansas City recently, was called up to the majors Saturday (July 13) by his new organization, San Francisco, according to media reports.

But he's also got Georgia on his mind. Seems Francoeur, who starred in baseball and football at Parkview High in Lilburn, plans to fly to the Atlanta area Monday for the birth of his first child, a girl. Doctors plan to induce labor on his wife, Catie, according to mercurynews.com.

Monday is the beginning of the three-day All Star Game break for Major League Baseball.

Francoeur, 29, was hitting just .208 in 59 games for Kansas City when he was released. He broke in to the majors with the Atlanta Braves with a bang in 2005, hitting .300 with 14 HR in 70 games.

However, he was traded to the New York Mets in 2009, and since then played for Texas and Kansas City. He is projected as a part-time player (vs. left-handed pitchers) for San Francisco.

San Francisco and Atlanta do not play each other for the remainder of 2012, and the Giants (43-50) are not headed for the postseason.

-- Do you think Jeff Francoeur will regain his rookie form with San Francisco? Tell us in the comments below.

Don’t miss any Lilburn news. Subscribe to Lilburn-Mountain Park's 
free newsletter, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here