Atlantic League
The York Revolution has signed its first player for the 2008 season, inking left-handed pitcher Wayne Franklin to a contract, it was announced today by director of baseball operations Adam Gladstone. The seven-year major league veteran holds the distinction of being the first starting pitcher in Revolution history, having gotten the nod on May 4, 2007.
Last season, Franklin held the staff's best winning percentage, compiling an 8-3 record during two stints with York. He posted a 4.19 ERA over 16 appearances, 13 of which were starts.
Franklin notched the first win in team history on May 9, 2007, and went 2-0 in May before signing a contract to pitch in Taiwan's major league. Franklin returned to York on August 1, and won the first two starts of his return stint to improve to 4-0. The southpaw was also the winning pitcher in York's final game of the inaugural season, firing eight shutout innings in a 1-0 win at Long Island.
"We are thrilled to be able to bring back a recognizable name like Wayne who played such a big role in our inaugural season," said Revolution general manager Matt O'Brien. "He was a consummate professional for us on and off the field, and I believe our fans will truly enjoy having him back in York for another season."
Franklin, who will turn 34 on March 9, has pitched in the majors with the Houston Astros, Milwaukee Brewers, San Francisco Giants, New York Yankees, and Atlanta Braves. He is 14-16 with a 5.54 ERA in 143 appearances and 40 starts in his big-league career. Franklin is 51-31 with a 3.19 ERA in the minors.
The York Revolution Professional Baseball Club is a member of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, and owned by Opening Day Partners. Home games are played at Sovereign Bank Stadium, located at 5 Brooks Robinson Way, York, PA 17401. For more information, please call 717-801-HITS (4487), or visit the Revolution online at
York Revolution - York, PA Baseball.