(Be sure to check out my redone version of Roger LaFrancois' review. I redid it in preparation for a trip to Batavia, where LaFrancois is coaching for 2010)There are a few ways to begin talking about today's player, actually a coach.
There is his all-too-brief eight-game stint in the majors. There's his years as a minor league coach and manager, including his continuing involvement in baseball as a coach on an independent league team. Then there's his name.
I think I'll start with his name: Roger LaFrancois.
Despite what his name and team here might suggest, Roger LaFrancois is not a native of Quebec, or even Canada. He's from Connecticut. But he is coaching here for the White Sox AAA affiliate the Vancouver Canadians and managed a couple years prior in the Expos system.
With that out of the way, LaFrancois spent the better parts of six seasons as a player, making the Carolina League All Star team in 1978 with Winston-Salem. He was drafted by the Red Sox in 1977, making it to the parent club May 27, 1982. His major league career ended Oct. 3 that year, having played only eight games, getting four hits in 10 at bats.
By 1988 LaFrancois was coaching, helming the New York-Penn League's Jamestown Expos, winning Manager of the Year. 1990 was his first of three years coaching the White Sox AAA teams. He's coached or managed with seven franchises since.He's still listed as a coach for the independent Can-Am League Worcester Tornadoes. LaFrancois was the Red Sox backup catcher when he was with them. Their starting catcher that year, Rich Gedman, is the Tornadoes' manager. If LaFrancois is still in Worcester this coming season, we'll have to get this thing signed, either in Worcester, or in Pittsfield.
LaFrancois' profile with the Tornadoes: http://www.worcestertornadoes.com/tornadoes/coaches/index.html?staff_id=46
1990 CMC Tally
Cards Reviewed: 10/880
Major Leaguers: 5
Never Made the Majors: 5
100+ Games in the Majors: 0
10+ Seasons in the Minors: 4
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