LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring John Anthony Franco for his commitment
to preserving Italian American heritage

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
those individuals of true purpose and worthy accomplishment who provide
opportunities to celebrate their rich ethnic flavor and who strive to
preserve their cultural heritage; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor John
Anthony Franco for his commitment to preserving Italian American herit-
age to be observed at the Italian-American Day Celebration, in Albany,
New York, on Monday, June 4, 2012; and
WHEREAS, John Franco is being inducted into the New York Mets Hall of
Fame on June 3, 2012; he regularly makes appearances for the club's
community relations, marketing and media relations departments, and can
be seen on SNY, the club's television network; and
WHEREAS, John Franco pitched in the major leagues for nearly 22 years
(1984-2005) with the Cincinnati Reds, New York Mets and Houston Astros;
he received an overall 2.89 ERA in 1,245.2 innings pitched; and
WHEREAS, Placing fourth all-time on the career saves list with 424,
John Franco has more saves than any left-handed pitcher in history; he
has also made appearances in 1,119 games, which is third on the all-time
career list; and
WHEREAS, John Franco saved 30 or more games eight times, including 39
in 1988; he was selected to four All-Star Games in the years 1986, 1987,
1989 and 1990 and also won two Rolaids Relief Man Awards in 1988 and
1990; and
WHEREAS, John Franco was named the Mets captain on May 4, 2001, and
was honored on the Mets 40th Anniversary All-Amazin' Team; a native of
Brooklyn, New York, he graduated from Lafayette High School and pitched
collegiately at St. John's University throwing two no-hitters as a
freshman; and
WHEREAS, John Franco was presented a distinguished service award from
the Fire Department of New York for his efforts in assisting the fire-
fighters and their families after the September 11th tragedy; in addi-
tion, he has been honored by the Thurman Munson Dinner committee, the
Catholic Youth Organization, the New York Baseball Writers Association,
St. John's University and the Phi Delta International Fraternity's Lou
Gehrig Dinner committee for his work in the community; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Rose, and their chil-
dren, Nicole, JJ, and Ella, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of
his life and rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with its
time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those individ-
uals who foster ethnic pride and enhance the profile of cultural diver-
sity which strengthens the fabric of the communities of New York State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor John Anthony Franco for his commitment to preserving Italian Amer-
ican heritage; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to John Anthony Franco.