Jeff Francoeur’s Unique Relationship With Oakland A’s Fans

This is a story I first became aware of watching a Royals/A's telecast a couple nights ago, but it's taken on a life of its own.  The Oakland A's are a proud franchise, but they play in a dull stadium and haven't been relevant since the early 2000s.

Even though they haven't had much to cheer about, that hasn't stopped a group of loyal fans from filling the right field bleachers for every home game.  Since the opponent's right fielder is closest in proximity they receive the brunt of the group's good natured ribbing.  Some guys ignore them, some flash smiles, some flash select fingers, but no one has embraced the group like the Royals' Jeff Francoeur.

In September, 2011 the bleacher creatures in section 149 started 'Bacon Tuesdays.'  They brought homemade bacon creations into the stadium.  After the game, Francoeur chatted with the fans and even indulged in some delicious bacon.  The next day Francoeur attached a dollar bill to a signed baseball and gave it to the ringleader.  The group still has the hundred dollar bill!

Fast forward to 2012, and the Royals recent set in Oakland.  Neither the fans nor Francoeur forgot about the goodwill forged in 2011.  On Tuesday, the A's fans made t-shirts that said '2nd Annual Bacon Tuesdays.....Sponsored by Jeff Francoeur'  Like he did in 2011, the ballplayer known as 'Frenchy' chatted with his fans and munched on some good old fashioned bacon.  He even wanted the fans to sign a t-shirt for his wife.

Yesterday, Frenchy ordered 20 pizzas and gave a signed bat to his buddies in section 149.

Kudos to 'Frenchy' for being a great sport, and I hope this unique player/fan relationship flourishes over the years.