56-year-old Julio Franco signs contract with Japanese team

Former Major League infielder Julio Franco, 56, has signed a contract to be a player-manager in Japan. Franco, who played in 2014 for the independent United League's Fort Worth Cats, last played in the majors in 2007 for the Atlanta Braves.

Former Major League infielder Julio Franco, 56, has signed a contract to be a player-manager in Japan, the Associated Press reports.

Franco, who played in 2014 for the independent United League's Fort Worth Cats, last played in the majors in 2007 for the Atlanta Braves.

He played 23 MLB seasons for the Phillies, Indians, Rangers, White Sox, Brewers, Rays, Braves and Mets. During his career, he batted .298 with 173 home runs and 1,194 RBIs.

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Franco made three All-Star teams for the Rangers from 1989 through 1991 and won the American League batting crown by hitting .341 in 1991.

He has previously played professionally in Japan, Mexico and South Korea.

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