Rafael Furcal would spend 14 seasons in the majors, winning a World Series with the Cardinals in 2011.
Signed by the Braves for a mere $5,000 on Nov. 9, 1996
Fourteen days after the Braves lost the 1996 World Series, they’d land one of their best international signings, getting Rafael Furcal out of the Dominican Republic for a mere $5,000.
He’d use the money to buy his parents a car.
Furcal, meanwhile, was in the driver’s seat for the Braves offense for over 700 games in the leadoff spot during his five years in Atlanta (2000-2005), a run that saw him win National League Rookie of the Year, become an All-Star and one of the best switch-hitters in franchise history.