June 18, 2012
For most of the 14 years that John Franco brought Shea Stadium
alive with excitement, his jog onto the field usually happened at
the tail end of the game. This time, things were a little
different.
Photo gallery
On
Sunday, June 3, 2012, the former St. John’s great was on the field
before the game as he became the 26th person to be inducted into
the New York Mets Hall of Fame. Joining him at Citi Field to share
in his special day were St. John’s Athletic Director Emeritus Coach
John W. “Jack” Kaiser ’49C, Hall of Fame Basketball Coach Lou
Carnesecca ’50C, ’60GEd, ’00HON, Director of Athletics Chris
Monasch ’81SVC and former Baseball Head Coach Joe Russo ’67C. They
presented him with a framed St. John's baseball jersey emblazoned
with No. 45 - Franco's uniform number during his legendary career
with the Mets.
Franco pitched for St. John's from 1979-81 and helped lead the team
to the 1980 College World Series as well as three-straight NCAA
Tournament appearances.
Following the on-field induction ceremony, Franco visited with and
signed autographs for alumni who were enjoying the game in the
Modell’s Clubhouse area of the stadium. “I attended the game with
my dad and had a wonderful evening,” said Donald Gormanly ’01CPS.
“We got to meet St. John’s and Mets great John Franco, take
pictures and get his autograph. We had a great time.”