Former Major League Baseball shortstop Rafael Furcal, known for his speed, strong arm, and All-Star career, is now facing serious legal trouble in South Florida.
Furcal, 47, turned himself in at the Broward County jail on Wednesday after a warrant was issued for his arrest earlier in the week. According to court records, he was released on bond shortly after being booked. He is facing two felony charges: aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and throwing a missile into a public or private dwelling—a term under Florida law that can refer to hurling any object capable of causing damage.
Authorities from the Sunrise Police Department issued the warrant on Monday but have yet to disclose details about the incident that led to the charges. Court documents do not list a defense attorney for Furcal, and his former agent, Paul Kinzer, declined to comment on the matter.
Before these charges, Furcal was best known for his standout career in Major League Baseball. He debuted with the Atlanta Braves in 2000, earning National League Rookie of the Year honors that season. Known for his defensive prowess and base-stealing ability, Furcal became one of the game’s top shortstops in the early 2000s.
Over his 14-year MLB career, he also played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, St. Louis Cardinals, and Miami Marlins. He was a three-time All-Star (2003, 2010, 2012) and played a key role in the Cardinals’ 2011 World Series championship run. That year, he served as the team’s starting shortstop during the playoffs, helping St. Louis overcome long odds to defeat the Texas Rangers in a dramatic seven-game series.
One of the most memorable moments of Furcal’s career came on August 10, 2003, when he turned the 12th unassisted triple play in MLB history while playing for the Braves against the Cardinals.
Furcal retired from professional baseball after a brief stint with the Miami Marlins in 2014. In retirement, he remained involved in baseball and charitable efforts in both the United States and his native Dominican Republic.
Now, Furcal’s legacy is clouded by these serious accusations. As the legal process unfolds, more information is expected to emerge about the incident that led to the charges. Until then, the former World Series champion finds himself at the center of a troubling legal case far removed from the baseball diamond.
