LHP Jeff Francis retires after 11 seasons in the majors

Jeff Francis ranks third in Rockies franchise history for wins.

Lefthanded pitcher Jeff Francis has announced his retirement from baseball after 11 seasons in the majors, according to MLB.com’s Thomas Harding.

Francis was drafted by the Colorado Rockies with the ninth overall pick of the 2002 MLB amateur draft and went on to spend eight seasons with Colorado. His tenure included 17–9 season in 2007 before pitching in the World Series.

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“It was special to be able to be a champion—I know we didn't win it all, but that was a team that came together, even though I don't know what was expected of us,” Francis told MLB.com. “We did special things in dramatic fashion. We felt unstoppable. It was almost as if the drama was too much to think about. Looking back, I’m sure there was a lot of pressure, but I don't think we felt it. We just rode a wave and took it as far as we could.”

Francis finishes his career with a 72–82 record and 4.97 in 254 games. Francis’s 64 wins rank third in Rockies' franchise history.

He made 14 relief appearances for the Toronto Blue Jays this past season. He also spent time with the Royals, Athletics, Reds and Yankees in his career.

Francis helped Canada win a gold medal at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto.

- Christopher Chavez