It’s only been seven years since Steve Francis played his final NBA season, but it feels like decades. Francis, the 2000 NBA Rookie of the Year and three-time All-Star, has been largely forgotten since his second stint with the Rockets in 2007-08.
One of the league’s most exciting players from 1999 through 2005, he battled injuries and inconsistency in becoming an afterthought before heeding overseas to play one season with the Beijing Ducks in 2010. He was welcomed by the Astros on Tuesday night and given the opportunity to throw out the first pitch, but it wasn’t the best toss:

About Jason Smith
Recent Posts
Todd Monken takes blame for Lamar Jackson struggles
"I didn't coach Lamar well enough.'
Jim Harbaugh hopes brother John lands in NFC
"He'll be a head coach next year."
Lamar Jackson declines to back head coach
"To be honest with you..."
Aaron Rodgers delivers Pittsburgh AFC North title
"It just takes a little belief at this point in the season."
Maxx Crosby gives his side of Raiders rift
“My whole life has been football."
Vikings want Brian Flores to stick around
"Flo knows I love him."