Early life

He was born in Fort Smith, Arkansas and grew up in Spiro, Oklahoma. He graduated from high school in Spiro in 1991 and was named to the All-State baseball team. He went to Seminole Junior College, in Oklahoma, where he had a 20-0 win-loss record over two years.

Playing career

Seattle Mariners

Franklin was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the 23rd round of the 1992 amateur draft but chose to return to school. He signed his first major league contract with the team on May 21, 1993.

After arriving in the Majors full-time in 2001, Franklin spent the following four years as a starter for the Mariners, posting a record of 23-44. He tied for the Major League lead in home runs allowed in 2003, with 34.

On August 2, 2005, Franklin became the eighth Major League player, and second Mariner, to test positive for steroid use, receiving a ten-day suspension. On December 13, 2007, he was named in the Mitchell Report to the Commissioner of Baseball of an Independent Investigation Into the Illegal Use of Steroids and Other Performance Enhancing Substances by Players in Major League Baseball.

After the 2005 season, Franklin filed for free agency.

Philadelphia Phillies

On January 13, 2006 Franklin signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies.

Cincinnati Reds

On August 7, 2006, Franklin was traded to the Cincinnati Reds for a player to be named later, who turned out to be minor league pitcher Zac Stott.

St. Louis Cardinals

On January 22, 2007, Franklin signed with the St. Louis Cardinals on a one-year, $1 million contract. He signed a two-year, $5 million contract extension with a $2.75 million club option for 2010 on July 5, 2007. He was promoted to closer on May 17, 2008. Franklin was named to the 2009 All-Star Game roster. On September 1, 2009, Franklin signed a two-year, $6.5 million contract extension with the Cardinals. In 2009, he finished the regular season with a 1.92 ERA, and 38 saves.

On April 19, 2011, Franklin (who blew 2 saves in 29 chances in the 2010 season) was removed from his closer role after (among other struggles on the mound) blowing four saves in five chances to start the 2011 season. Despite the poor season he is still considered a World Series Champion in 2011 with the St. Louis Cardinals.

He was released on June 29, after recording an 8.46 ERA, giving up 44 hits (.367 batting average against), nine home runs, walking seven and striking out 17 in 27 2/3 innings for a 1.84 WHIP in 21 games with the Cardinals in 2011. He retired on December 9, 2011.

Olympics

Franklin was a member of the gold medal winning US baseball team at the 2000 Olympics, where he had a 3-0 pitching record in 4 appearances.

Personal life

He is married to Angie Romberg and the couple has three children: Logan, Teagen, and Kaylin. He and his family live in Shawnee, Oklahoma. He also has a ranch in his hometown of Spiro, Oklahoma.

[ Source: Wikipedia ]