Former MLB Star Reveals the Secrets to Being a Great Teammate

In 2025, former MLB outfielder Jeff Francoeur is reflecting on his career and the lessons he's learned about being a great teammate. Francoeur, who played in the majors for 12 years, is now an analyst for TBS and a youth sports coach.

One of Francoeur's most impactful moments came in 2011, when he was a veteran on the Kansas City Royals. That year, Francoeur's positive attitude and mentorship helped transform the career of left fielder Alex Gordon, a former top prospect who had underwhelmed early on. Francoeur, an extrovert, and the introverted Gordon formed an unlikely bond, with Francoeur helping Gordon relax and Gordon pushing Francoeur to work harder.

Francoeur believes the best teammates are those who can see the bigger picture, put others first, and remain positive even when struggling. He cites former Mets star David Wright as an example of a leader who made everyone around him feel great. Francoeur also points to players like David Ross, who weren't superstars but had a knack for lifting up their teammates.

Now, as a youth coach, Francoeur is focused on instilling those same values in the next generation. He emphasizes character and teamwork over pure talent, knowing that the right attitude can be just as important as physical skills. Francoeur's goal is to help young athletes develop into well-rounded individuals who can positively impact their teams and communities.