By Canadian Press

Veteran left-hander Jeff Francis elected to Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame

Feb 2, 2022 | 9:50 AM

ST. MARYS, ONTARIO — Left-hander Jeff Francis has been elected to the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame made the announcement Wednesday.

Francis, of Vancouver, will be inducted in June with the class of 2020 that includes former players Justin Morneau, John Olerud and Duane Ward along with Montreal Expos broadcaster Jacques Ducet.

Francis spent 11 seasons in Major League Baseball, including eight with the Colorado Rockies. Francis also played for the Kansas City Royals, Cincinnati Reds, Oakland Athletics, New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays, compiling a career record of 72-82 with a 4.97 earned-run average in 254 career contests.

“I was so excited to get the news from the Hall of Fame of my induction,” Francis said. “When I see the list of people and players that I will be joining on the walls in St. Marys, I’m honoured and humbled to be considered on that level.

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“This is not something that is ever in an athlete’s mind during his or her playing days but in the time since my last days of playing, I’ve become proud of what I accomplished in baseball. I consider this not just recognition of my achievements in the game, but of the coaching, mentorship and support I’ve received from so many other people.”

The Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame has been prohibited from having an in-person induction ceremony since 2019 due to the global pandemic.

“Jeff Francis is one of the greatest left-handed pitchers to come from Canada,” said Jeremy Diamond, the chair of the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame’s board of directors. “He was the ace of the Colorado Rockies on their National League pennant-winning team in 2007 and is considered one of the best pitchers in Rockies’ history.

“He has also answered the call to play for his country whenever he has been available and is a wonderful ambassador for baseball in our country.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb, 2, 2022

The Canadian Press