Jeff Francoeur’s new job?
I started this post on Monday on the off day, but never really got around to finishing or posting it until now. I was browsing on the normal Braves sites that I visit daily like any other day when I stumbled upon something that just warranted its own post on the blog. We’ve all seen the miscellaneous trade rumors circling the internet these days stating that teams could possibly be interested in Frenchy or that the Braves are shopping him. In the midst of these rumors and the speculation, I thought it would be best if I revealed Frenchy’s newest day job.
Now I won’t post the entire blog post from his official website/Delta’s blog, but I will highlight a few points and tell you that apparently Frenchy loves his new day job, and he’s even good at it. Not really surprising, as he’s so outgoing and gregarious more often than not.
Frenchy states in his blog posts that he was a Delta Rep. for a day and did miscellaneous things around the Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport to help the passengers, with a few members of the Tomahawk Team and Homer along for the ride. Not counting last night, lately Frenchy has been slowly deciding his own fate with the team, going right back to the Frenchy of Old, and killing any hope that the fans still held in their hearts that he still might turn it around. Is this possible? Possibly, but really, who knows? Last night was encouraging for him, but it was just one night. We’ll have to wait and see if he reverts back to his old form again tonight and who would be surprised if he does? I’m sure I won’t.
But with all Frenchy’s non-success lately, his huge ego is still intact somehow. During his Adventures in the Airport, he apparently snuck up on passengers at the different areas of the airport and probably gave some people heart attacks by doing so. Apparently, this adventure was thoroughly amusing to him.
started the visit out by surprising Delta customers and employees at check-in…shaking hands, taking pictures, and signing photos and even boarding passes. I snuck up on a couple of travelers who were using Delta’s self check-in units and asked if they needed any help – I don’t think they were expecting to look up and see me rather than a Delta representative. Of course, I’m pretty much an expert at the self check-in process since we travel so much. It’s definitely my preference because it’s so fast and easy!
He just sounds so positive and stuck on himself that people were “surprised” to see him in the airport and were happy about it. Were they really? I probably would have gotten his autograph and taken a picture just to say I met him, but I probably wouldn’t have been overly excited about it. Now if it were Mac or one of the other favorites of mine…probably would be more excited. Frenchy just isn’t..one of my favorites like he used to be for certain reasons.
It was pretty funny to see people’s reactions when they realized who I was. I think my jersey (not to mention the Tomahawk Team and Homer) was a dead giveaway, but I guess nobody was expecting to see me there so I got a lot of double-takes. (Note: Text was bolded by him in post.)
Regardless of his arrogance, he does have a good heart and does like to do community events and charities on his own free will.
Next, and easily my favorite part of the experience, was visiting the airport’s USO lounge. It was very humbling to shake hands with the troops and thank them for what they’re doing for our country. I’d love to get a bunch of teammates back there soon when they’re expecting a big group of troops to come through. I talked to several soldiers, both men and women, who were on their way to Iraq and it really put things in perspective. Just think, in a couple of hours they were leaving for months at a time to go fight for our country – meanwhile I was heading to the ballpark to play baseball. Pretty incredible what they do. Thank you to each and every one of them!
He then goes and even reveals his true calling! Pissing off and annoying Mets fans. There’s a winner for you, Frenchy!
But it was then that my true potential as a Delta representative began to shine through…
I had the opportunity to board an incoming flight from New York and be the first to welcome the Delta customers and travelers to Atlanta. We just so happened to be playing the Mets that night, so I was able to have a little fun. After introducing myself and welcoming the passengers to Atlanta, I managed to get a little “friendly” trash-talk in to any Mets fans. Delta is also partnered with both of the MLB teams in New York, so there was definitely some Mets/Yankees/Braves banter going back and forth! But rivalries aside, I invited those who’d be in town that night to pick up a couple tickets to the game from the Tomahawk Team at the gate. It was great to be able to surprise and reward Delta’s great customers and employees. I hope some Mets fans had the chance to come experience Turner Field. They’ve got a fantastic new stadium this year and I’m excited to play there this week.
Hmm…since this was a test-run and Frenchy was so good at it, my question to Delta would be, “When can he start?” All joking aside, it was really nice and good of Frenchy to get out and share this experience with travelers coming and going through the airport.
