AtL Lancaster Stormers

Barnstormers Add Veteran Major League Outfielder

Published on June 9, 2014 under Atlantic League (AtL)
Lancaster Stormers News Release


The Lancaster Barnstormers took two major steps to reinforce their lineup today, it was announced by manager Butch Hobson.

Outfielder Ben Francisco, a veteran of seven Major League seasons, has signed a contract with the club and will be active for tonight's game against the Camden Riversharks.

In addition, first baseman Andrew Clark, who signed for spring training but was unable to play due to a shoulder injury, has rejoined the club.

Francisco, 32, signed with Cleveland in the 2002 draft and reached the big leagues by 2007. He hit .266 with 15 homers and 54 RBI for the Indians in 2008. His first big league home run was a walkoff shot against Tampa Bay's Shawn Camp on June 29, ten days after his debut.

He then went to the Phillies late in 2009 in the same deal that brought lefty Cliff Lee to Philadelphia.

With the Phillies, Francisco batted .259 with 17 homers and 75 RBI over two and one-half seasons. He appeared in 17 post-season games with the Phillies and homered off St. Louis Cardinals' left-hander Jaime Garcia to win Game Three of the 2011 National League Division Series.

The California native was dealt to the Toronto Blue Jays following the 2011 season and has since moved on to play for Houston, Tampa Bay and the New York Yankees. Following his stint with the Yankees in 2013, Francisco was picked up by San Diego and played for Class AAA Tucson.

"Francisco gives us a quality outfielder," said Hobson. "He's also a veteran bat that will bolster our lineup."

Clark, 26, signed originally with the Texas Rangers in 2010. In 2011, his first full season in their system, the University of Louisville product batted .310 with 14 homers and 72 RBI for Class A Hickory and Myrtle Beach. Last year, the Indiana native opened the season with Evansville of the Frontier League and batted .425 over 80 at bats. He was acquired by the Yankees and hit .277 with three homers and 20 RBI for Class AA Trenton until he went down with the shoulder injury in July.

"We look for Andrew to be a power bat in the DH position for us," said Hobson.

To make room on the roster, the Barnstormers have placed outfielders Jerry Owens and Greg Golson on the inactive list.

The Lancaster Barnstormers are entering their tenth season as a member of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. Home games are played at Clipper Magazine Stadium in downtown Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Please call 717.509.HITS (4487) or visit LancasterBarnstormers.com for more information.

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