Outfielder who once hit .295 for Braves has died

Former Braves outfielder John "Tito" Francona has died.

The Cleveland Indians said Francona died unexpectedly at his home in New Brighton, Pa., Tuesday night. He was 84.

Francona played three seasons for the Braves, from 1967 to 1969. In 1968, he had 47 RBIs. He hit .295 in 1969 when the Braves won the Western Division. He had 10 homers and 94 RBIs in 255 games in a Braves uniform. He also played first base for the Braves.

Francona, the father of Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona, played in the majors for 15 seasons.

Tito Francona batted .363 and finished fifth in AL MVP voting in 1959, his first season with the Indians. He led the AL in doubles the following year, and in 1961 he was an AL All-Star and led the league in singles.

Francona made his debut in 1956 with the Baltimore Orioles. He retired as a player following the 1970 season with Milwaukee.