By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

RESERVE – When Daniel Franklin took the mound, East St. John coach Shan Williams expected to win.

He’d grown accustomed to it, after all. Of the Wildcats’ 14 victories this season, the dominant righthander nailed  down seven.

Southern University noticed, which is why Franklin is officially headed to play at the collegiate level, set for Southern after signing recently at a special ceremony at Leon Godchaux Jr. High.

“It took a lot of hard work to get to this point. I’m proud of myself,” said Franklin. “I’ve been playing since I was seven, and this is something I’ve wanted for a long time.”

Franklin said his final decision came between Southern and Alcorn State. In the end, he found his calling with the Jaguars.

“They kept talking with me and showed a lot of interest,” said Franklin. “They told me if I work hard, I’ll have a chance to earn some early playing time, so that appealed to me.”

Franklin pitched 55.1 innings this year, finishing with a record of 7-2. He struck out 85 batters and posted an ERA of 2.15 and a WHIP of 1.05 – no small task when playing in a 5A district pitting ESJ against state powers like Hahnville and Destrehan.

“His toughness is what stands out to me,” said Williams. “He’s not scared to face anybody. He’s got a lot of competitiveness in him. He can’t stand to allow a hit, much less lose a game. Daniel’s just a fierce competitor.”

Franklin also played third base for the Wildcats and was an extremely productive hitter. As a senior, he batted .495 with 36 RBIs, three triples and a home run.

Southern plans to bring Franklin in as a pitcher.

Williams said that Franklin is a great fit with a successful program like Southern.

“They’re always up there in the conference standings, competing for the title” said Williams. “I think Daniel has a chance to really be phenomenal at the next level.

“He won’t have to worry about playing third base anymore and can just concentrate on pitching.”

Franklin said he knew he had the confidence of his coach and teammates whenever he took the mound, and that it was a source of great pride.

“They had a lot of faith in me. That always made me feel good when I got out on the mound,” he said.