Julio Franco, Ageless Wonder.

Twenty-five year anniversaries typically are associated with matrimony or careers at the same company. Rarely do Major League ballplayers have that sort of longevity. Julio Franco does, however, have that sort of longevity. He's 48 years of age, and he lends new meaning to the term endless summer. He's a man of summer now; a man among boys barely half his age...with 2,566 hits and counting.

On April 23, 1982, Julio would walk to the plate in Veterans Stadium filling in at shortstop because starter Ivan De Jesus had moved to third due to an injury to Mike Schmidt. He would single during the at bat, and then try unsuccessfully to steal second. Twenty-five years later, Julio has collected over 8,500 at bats after that first season in which he would bat a mere 29 times.

Julio gets the raised beer for the duration and quality of a career that has spanned two and a half decades. He's the ageless wonder with a face creased by wisdom and accumulated experience. In a sport that welcomes new and ever younger phenoms to its ranks each season, Julio has managed to last and last. He's got extra long lasting flavor, and I salute him for it.

This blog was bought to you by the down time of unemployment in Bush's economy. All complaints should be directed to the reflection in your drink. All compliments should be included in the comments section.

As always,

Go Mets!