One of the best relievers in major league history was pitching on fumes by the time he arrived in Houston in 2005 to close a 21-year big league career.

The 44-year-old lefthander lasted 31 games before being waived with a 7.20 ERA.

Stats

Pitching         W   L   PCT   ERA   G  GS  CG  SV  GF   IP     H    R    ER   BB   SO
2005             0   1  .000  7.20  31   0   0   0   4   15     23   13   12    9   16


Batting          G     AB    R   H   2B  3B  HR  RBI   BB   SO   SB  CS   AVG   SLG   OBA   OPS
2005             31     0    0    0   0   0   0    0    0    0    0   0  .000  .000  .000  .000

Astros Trades & Transactions

Jan 23, 2005 - Signed John Franco (P) as a free agent.

Jul 2, 2005 - Released John Franco (P).

This Date in Astros History

Aug 12, 1989 - Glenn Davis gets his third hit, driving in the tying run in the ninth, then scores on a wild pitch from John Franco for a 6-5 shocker over the Reds. Dave Smith gets the win after blowing a 4-2 lead in the top of the ninth.

Apr 28, 1998 - Sean Berry singles home Tim Bogar in the tenth inning for a 4-3 victory over the Mets. Moises Alou's two-run single off John Franco in the ninth sets the stage for Berry's heroics.

Jan 23, 2005 - After signing 30-something veterans Turk Wendell and Dave Burba to spring contracts, the Astros really get "old school", inking 44-year-old lefthander John Franco to a one-year $700,000 deal. The 21-year veteran comes to Houston in second place all-time for career saves (424) and appearances (1,088) but is released with a 0-1 record after 31 games.