Ducks Sign Francia
Published on August 22, 2008 under Atlantic League (AtL)
Long Island Ducks News Release
Central Islip, N.Y., Aug. 22, 2008) - Long Island Ducks team officials today announced the signing of former Lancaster infielder Juan Francia. The speedy Venezuela native spent 65 games with the Barnstormers this year, hitting 10 doubles with 40 runs scored and 19 stolen bases. Francia joined the club in Newark and will be eligible to play in Friday night's game against the Bears.
"Juan adds not only speed to our lineup, but solid defense in the field," says Ducks manager Dave LaPoint. "He'll be an important part of our ballclub down the stretch."
The 26-year-old switch-hitter was signed by the Detroit in 1998 and spent eight years in the Tigers system, peeking with Double-A Erie of the Eastern League. He reached the Triple-A level in 2007 with Scranton-Wilkes Barre (AAA, Yankees), hitting .301 in 38 games. The speedster's best season came in 2002 with West Michigan (A, Tigers) of the Midwest league, when he hit .270 with career highs in games played (128), runs (94), doubles (13), RBI (41) and stolen bases (53). Francia holds a career .275 average with 246 RBI, 490 runs scored and 273 steals.
The Long Island Ducks play their home games at Citibank Park and are in their ninth season of play in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. For further information, visit www.liducks.com, or call 631-904-3825.
Atlantic League Stories from August 22, 2008
- Barnstormers drop second on trip - Lancaster Stormers
- Bears take advantage of miscues - Newark Bears
- Ducks Sign Francia - Long Island Ducks
- Fireworks Added to September 6 Barnstormers Game - Lancaster Stormers
- Blue Crabs Hand Patriots Sixth Straight Loss - Southern Maryland Blue Crabs
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