TTM Success - John Franco

Another tougher name was crossed off of my 1987 Topps checklist thanks to a private signing on SCN, John Franco.  The card turned out great, as is usually the case with private signings.

Franco (b. 1960) played in the majors from 1984 to 2001 and 2003 to 2005 for the Reds, Mets and Astros.  He had a career record of 90-87 with 975 strike outs and a 2.89 ERA.  His 424 career saves are 5th all-time.  He was a 4-time All Star (1986, 1987, 1989 and 1990).  His best finish in the Cy Young voting was 7th (1994) and his best MVP finish was 12th (1988).  He appeared on the 2011 Hall of Fame ballot, but received only 4.6% of the vote.  One would think he would get a better look now that Lee Smith has been inducted.

I mailed to the signing on September 14 and got the card back on November 9, for a 56-day TAT.