J.J. Franco is the starting shortstop and a right-handed pitcher for the Poly Prep Blue Devils. He has been at Poly since 5th grade; played for the Junior Varsity (JV) baseball team as an eighth-grader and the Varsity since he was a freshman. As a freshman and a sophomore, J.J. was voted to the First Team All-League. He was also named co-most improved player as a sophomore. The Blue Devils went 52-3 his first two years and were NYSAISAA Champs in both 2007-08. This year, as a junior, J.J. was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) by the New York State Sportswriters Association. His dad is John Franco, legendary left-handed relief pitcher for the New York Mets, who also played for the St. John’s Redmen, and Lafayette High School. J.J. was in Atlanta last week, playing in a tournament, but was able to answer a few questions.
JJ, you're the starting shortstop and pitcher for Poly, do you do anything different to prepare for your next start as a pitcher?
In preparation for my next start, I try to listen to my dad's advice. I play a nice, slow game of long toss, stretch out longer and slow myself down. As a shortstop I'm always running around everywhere, but as a pitcher I need to remain composed and stay within myself on the mound.
Can you give me some highlights from last season?
If I had to choose some highlights, I would choose our victory over Horace Mann when we came back from a 10-run deficit and ‘mercy ruled’ them. Another would be the Telecommunications game. I pitched a complete game shut out with 10 Ks and Richie Carbone hit the game winning base hit in the bottom of the 7th.
You have played for a lot of teams during your young career, how do you rank Coach Matt Roventini and his staff?
Coach Roves and his staff are definitely one of the best there is. As a baseball player, you dream of playing for coaches like them. They are very laid back and believe in letting us play the game. They stay true to the old ways of playing baseball and respect the game. But, if you need a kick in the rear, they are not afraid to do that.
What needs to be accomplished next year (your last) at Poly for it to be a truly successful season?
Win the championship. Every year we set that as our goal. Anything else that happens during the year is just a bonus that reflects our hard work.
Your favorite highlight of old Shea Stadium?
My favorite highlight is when the Mets beat the Cardinals in 2000 to advance to the World Series. What made it truly special was seeing them do a victory lap around the field and seeing my dad lifted up on one of his teammates shoulders. Then after, all the families had the privilege to partake in the post game celebration. Of course I wasn't spraying and drinking champagne like everyone else, but Garret Zeile (Todd's son) and I were running around with glasses of water and throwing them on the players.
Lastly, what are you doing this summer baseball-wise?
I've been to a couple of tournaments so far. One in Troy, New York, about a week ago and I'm currently in Atlanta for a tournament with my summer team, the Richmond County Baseball Club. I also attended a baseball prospect camp at Stanford University and got the opportunity to play in front of 50+ coaches from colleges I'm interested in going to. In August I'm going to the East Coast Professional Baseball Tournament in Lakeland to play with the Angel's East Coast scout team and after that I plan on attending the Headfirst Showcase in Richmond, Virginia.
Busy summer. We wish you all the best and congratulations on your 2009 MVP.
No comments:
Post a Comment