[Jeff] Francoeur, an outfielder for the Kansas City Royals, had 20 pizzas delivered Wednesday afternoon to fans sitting in the right-field grandstand at the Oakland Coliseum. He also sent along a signed bat, with a personal message inscribed. That's quite a gift package.
The unorthodox acquaintance of a visiting slugger and some East Bay baseball crazies began a season ago when a group in the bleachers decided to celebrate "Bacon Tuesday" by bringing homemade bacon-flavored eats to the ballpark. With the Royals in town, fans also made Francoeur the target of good-natured heckling (being the right fielder, he was closest to them). Inevitably, the memes collided. Francoeur got along so well with the crowd — he would wave, shout back at them, and laugh along — that after the game he went over for a meet and greet.
Make that a meat and greet. Someone had saved Francoeur a plate of bacon goodies. And, apparently, Jeff Francoeur loves bacon. (He's an American, isn't he?)
The next night, after spotting his new BFFs, he threw a signed baseball into the stands with a $100 bill wrapped in a rubber band (maybe you thought I'd say "wrapped in bacon"?) As the Hardball Times reported, the note read: "Beer or Bacon Dog on me. Jeff Francoeur."
Well, Tuesday night was the second annual Bacon Tuesday, so the food got really elaborate and somebody made T-shirts with Francoeur's name on them, claiming him to be the event's "sponsor." At some point, Francoeur stopped by again and fans gave him treats — perhaps some chocolate bacon, bacon cheesecake or bacon jalapeño poppers — along with a shirt. He was happier than a pig in slop as he showed off the shirt to teammates.
On Wednesday, Francoeur paid back the fans again. It was pizza delivery time, along with a bat, again signed by Francoeur.
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