Atlanta’s Franco still chugs ahead at 47

CHICAGO – Julio Franco turned 47 on Tuesday and doesn’t show signs of slowing down.

“I’m just doing my job like anybody else, but they make a big issue out of (my age),” Franco said before the Atlanta Braves played the Chicago Cubs.

Franco, who broke into the majors with Philadelphia in 1982, was batting .299 with nine home runs and 40 runs batted in. With his next homer, he would become the oldest major leaguer to hit one. Pitcher Jack Quinn was 46 years, 357 days when he homered for the Philadelphia Athletics on June 27, 1930.

“If you love this game, you can continue playing it if you have the enthusiasm and desire that you need,” Franco said.

Franco is the oldest player to hit a grand slam and a pinch-homer.