The 2017 Seattle Prep baseball season is around the corner, and senior/Michigan baseball commit Jesse Franklin is already licking his lips in anticipation for the season. He says that this season he has two goals, “First of all I want put up a banner, but even more importantly, I want to be able to not put so much pressure on myself that I don’t have fun.”

Franklin committed to Michigan last year, and describes the process as, “It was an honor to have people want you, but it is definitely a relief to have it done. Now I can just focus on having the best season possible.”

He also added that, “My college commitment has really just made me appreciate things more, like my coaches and teammates who have helped me along the way. It is also very soothing to know that I will get to play baseball for at least four more years.”

Last season, Prep had a crazy Metro League title run that had the whole school talking about the team. Franklin, said this was his baseball moment because, “Everyone was just jelling really well, it felt like everyone was contributing, and the whole team was just having fun. Also, the environment was amazing, the “legion of pine” was hilarious, and more fans were coming out to games.”

Both Franklin, and fellow senior Jacob Terao have been on varsity since their freshman years. When asked about how many home runs he plans to hit this season, Franklin smiled and said, “More than Jacob.” Franklin saw the seniors last year, and says that, “They did a very good job of having fun, while still being serious enough to compete. From Jacob Bailet especially, I saw how much he cherished every day of baseball, and I think that if the whole team follows his example, we will be in a good place come May.”

Although Jesse has a bright future ahead of him after high school, it is obvious that right now, he is focused on trying to enjoy his final high school season, and putting up a banner.