Former MLB shortstop Rafael Furcal found himself in hot water this week after turning himself in to authorities in South Florida. The three-time All-Star was arrested on charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and throwing a “missile” into a public or private dwelling—terms that might raise a few eyebrows. However, in this context, “missile” simply refers to a stone or hard object capable of causing serious harm, as defined in Florida law.
The incident reportedly unfolded after a near-collision with a victim’s vehicle, prompting Furcal to act out in a way that led to these serious charges. According to an arrest affidavit, he began hurling various items at the victim’s truck, including rocks and even a plastic water bottle. Things escalated when Furcal allegedly picked up a large rock—considered “the size of a small palm”—and threw it at the victim as he exited his car. The victim attempted to shield himself, but not before sustaining some lacerations. In a retaliatory move, the victim then punched Furcal, which led the former player to flee the scene.
Furcal, now 47, has a storied history as a professional athlete, having played 14 seasons in Major League Baseball. His time in the league included stints with the Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Dodgers, St. Louis Cardinals, and Miami Marlins. He made his mark early in his career, winning the National League Rookie of the Year award in 2000 with the Braves and securing a spot in the history books with the 12th unassisted triple play in MLB history back in 2003.
Renowned for his defensive prowess at shortstop, Furcal’s offensive contributions varied throughout his career. At his best, he was an All-Star and garnered MVP consideration, peaking in 2011 when he was crucial to the Cardinals’ championship run following a midseason trade that saw him joining the team just in time for their World Series victory.
As the legal process unfolds, Furcal’s future—both personally and professionally—remains uncertain. It’s a stark reminder of how quickly circumstances can change for anyone, even those who once shone bright in the limelight of Major League Baseball.
