Julio Franco

Not too many 47-year-olds are good enough to play in the major leagues, let alone be worthy of a two-year, $2 million contract. But Julio Franco is an exception to the rule.

Born Aug. 23, 1958, Franco is a physical marvel. Thanks to a rigorous workout regimen (weights, stretching, massage) and disciplined diet (including egg whites, oatmeal, no sweets), he actually might be in better shape now with the Mets (his eighth team) than when his career began with the Phillies in 1982.

Longevity certainly has its privileges. With his next home run, Franco will become the oldest player in major-league history to go yard. Jack Quinn (1930 Philadelphia A's) holds the record at 46 years, 357 days.