History of Rafael Furcal in Timeline

Rafael Furcal is a former professional baseball shortstop from the Dominican Republic who played in MLB for the Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Dodgers, St. Louis Cardinals, and Miami Marlins. Known for his speed and defensive skills, Furcal was a key player for several teams throughout his career. His most notable achievement was winning the 2011 World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals, solidifying his place in baseball history.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1917: Buck Weaver's 3 errors

In the 2008 NLCS game five, Rafael Furcal became the first shortstop since Buck Weaver in the 1917 World Series to make three errors in one playoff game.

October 24, 1977: Rafael Furcal's Birth

Rafael Furcal was born on October 24, 1977. He is a former professional baseball shortstop from the Dominican Republic.

Others born on this day/year

November 9, 1996: Signed by the Atlanta Braves

On November 9, 1996, Rafael Furcal was signed as an amateur free agent by the Atlanta Braves for $5,000 after being scouted at a tryout in Santo Domingo. He had been planning to attend engineering school.

1997: Started professional baseball career

In 1997, Rafael Furcal began his professional baseball career as a second baseman with the Gulf Coast Braves.

1999: Minor League Success

In 1999, Rafael Furcal switched to shortstop and played for the Macon Braves, hitting .337 with 73 stolen bases. He was later transferred to Myrtle Beach, hitting .293. He led minor league baseball with 96 steals and earned several awards, including Baseball America's first team All-Star and Braves Minor League Player of the Year.

1999: Death of Jose and Manuel Furcal

In 1999, Rafael Furcal's brother, José Furcal, committed suicide and another brother, Manuel Furcal, died in an accident.

April 4, 2000: MLB Debut

On April 4, 2000, Rafael Furcal made his Major League Baseball debut for the Atlanta Braves against the Colorado Rockies, recording 2 hits in 4 at-bats. His first hit was against Rockies pitcher Rolando Arrojo.

June 2000: First Drunk Driving Arrest

In June 2000, Rafael Furcal had a prior drunk driving arrest that led to a probation, which he later violated in September 2004.

2001: Shoulder Injury

In 2001, Rafael Furcal missed most of the season due to a dislocated left shoulder, which he sustained while stealing second base in a game on July 6 in Boston.

2002: Revealed True Age and Triples Record

At the start of the 2002 season, the Braves learned that Rafael Furcal was 23, not 21 as he had claimed. On April 21, 2002, he tied a modern Major League record with three triples in a game against Florida.

August 10, 2003: Unassisted Triple Play

On August 10, 2003, Rafael Furcal completed an unassisted triple play for the Braves against the St. Louis Cardinals. He caught Woody Williams' liner, stepped on second base, and tagged Orlando Palmeiro.

2003: All-Star Selection

In 2003, Rafael Furcal was selected as a reserve for the National League All-Star Team.

September 2004: Arrested for Drunk Driving

In September 2004, during his final season with the Braves, Rafael Furcal was arrested for drunk driving, violating his probation from a previous drunk driving arrest in June 2000 and was ordered to serve 21 days in jail. The jail term was arranged around the Braves' playoff situation.

2004: Birth of Ashley Furcal

In 2004, Rafael Furcal's daughter, Ashley, was born from a previous relationship.

December 7, 2005: Signed with the Dodgers

On December 7, 2005, Rafael Furcal signed a three-year, $39 million free agent contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

September 2006: Roy Campanella Award

In September 2006, Rafael Furcal was selected as the inaugural winner of the Roy Campanella Award, which is given to the Dodgers player who best exemplifies spirit and leadership. The award was voted on by his teammates.

2006: Birth of Rafael Furcal Jr.

In 2006, Rafael Furcal's son, Rafael Jr., was born with his wife Glenny, whom he met during spring training with the Braves.

May 2007: Four Hits in Three Consecutive Games

In May 2007, Rafael Furcal became one of only six Major League players to get four hits in each of three consecutive games.

December 19, 2008: Re-signed with the Dodgers

On December 19, 2008, after speculation of returning to the Braves, Rafael Furcal signed a three-year, $30 million contract to remain with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

2008: Errors in NLCS Game Five

During Game Five of the 2008 National League Championship Series against the Philadelphia Phillies, Rafael Furcal made three errors in one inning, setting records for the most errors in one NLCS inning and game. Two errors occurred on the same play.

2008: Back Injury

Early in 2008, Rafael Furcal suffered a back injury that sidelined him for most of the season. He returned right before the playoffs started.

2008: Birth of Anthony Furcal

In 2008, Rafael Furcal's son, Anthony, was born to him and his wife Glenny.

2008: Donated Fire Truck

In 2008, when Rafael Furcal re-signed with the Dodgers, he arranged for the Los Angeles Fire Department to donate a fire truck to his hometown, Loma de Cabrera, which previously lacked a fire department.

2009: Struggled performance in 2009

In 2009, Rafael Furcal struggled with the Dodgers, hitting only .269, and his on-base plus slugging of .711 was below his career average.

2010: All-Star Replacement

In 2010, Rafael Furcal was added to the National League All-Star team as a reserve after José Reyes withdrew due to injury. He had a .300 batting average and stole 22 bases, appearing in 97 games for the Dodgers.

2010: Death of Silvino Furcal

In 2010, Rafael Furcal's father, Silvino Furcal, who introduced him to baseball and provided advice, passed away.

2010: Father's Death

In 2010, Rafael Furcal's father, Silvino, passed away on Father's Day after being kicked by a horse on the family's farm.

July 30, 2011: Traded to the Cardinals

On July 30, 2011, Rafael Furcal was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals for Alex Castellanos. He won his only World Series ring that year.

October 31, 2011: Declined Option

On October 31, 2011, the St. Louis Cardinals declined Rafael Furcal's $12 million option for 2012.

December 10, 2011: Signed Two-Year Deal

On December 10, 2011, the St. Louis Cardinals signed Rafael Furcal to a two-year, $14 million deal.

2011: Time on Disabled List

In 2011, Rafael Furcal spent more time on the disabled list than the active roster for the Dodgers, appearing in just 37 games and hitting .197.

2011: 2011 World Series Win

In 2011, Rafael Furcal won the World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals, defeating the Texas Rangers.

2012: Elbow Injury

During the 2012 season, Rafael Furcal batted .264 with five home runs and 49 RBIs before being sidelined with an elbow injury on August 30 and placed on the disabled list. As a replacement, the Cardinals called up Pete Kozma.

March 4, 2013: Bone Spur Discomfort

On March 4, 2013, Rafael Furcal reported a bone spur discomfort which prompted an MRI and examination by Cardinals team radiologist Greg Cizek, who recommended surgery.