The ageless Julio Franco

Julio Franco homers into history 21 years ago today

Julio Franco, then a spry 45-year-old infielder for Atlanta, becomes the oldest player to launch a pinch-hit homer 21 years ago today as he tags Arizona’s Jose Valverde in the bottom of the eighth inning.

Franco’s two-out, two-run homer ties the score at 4 in a game the Braves eventually lose 6-4 to the Diamondbacks in 11 innings before a Wednesday night crowd of 19,971 at Turner Field.

Franco finishes his career in the majors in 2007 with a total of 2,586 hits over 23 seasons in the major leagues.

Julio Franco still playing into his mid-50s

His resume also includes one American League batting title in 1991, three All-Star Game selections and five Silver Slugger Awards.

Of course, Franco is not done at age 45.

Ten years later, in 2014, Franco, as a still-spry 55-year-old designated hitter, ends his six-year retirement to play with the Fort Worth Cats of the four-team independent United Baseball League, where he hits .222 in seven games.

Why?

Because he can.

He is, after all, ageless.