Former All-Star Julio Franco, 55, to suit up for independent club

Julio Franco, the 55-year-old infielder who last appeared in the majors in 2007, will suit up as a player-coach for the Fort Worth Cats next week when the United League Baseball club opens their season against the Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings.

“I’m very excited about the opportunity to play and coach in Fort Worth and reconnect with my friends, former teammates and Texas Rangers staff members,” said Franco, the American League batting champion in 1991. “I love Fort Worth and I’m very excited about the opportunity to work with the younger players and entertain the fans.”

Franco, who played his last MLB game at the age of 48, spent 23 season in the big leagues across stints with the Indians, Braves, Mets, Devil Rays, Phillies, Brewers, White Sox, and Rangers. A three-time All-Star, Franco ranks 49th on the all-time list with 2,527 games played.