Max
Franklin

3/22/16 - Heartland CC recruit. 6-foot-3, 190-pound athletically built right-handed pitcher started on the mound for St. Rita. Repeated his delivery well throughout. Quick arm action from an over-the-top slot getting late life to his fastball. Fastball sat 89-90 mph in the first inning with and settled in at 85-87 the rest of the outing. Fastball had boaring action on right-handed hitters at times. Curveball worked 12/6, tight, downer break, good feel and sat 75-77 mph. Saw two changeups flashing run and fade, 76-80 mph.

10/5/15 - Verbally commits to Heartland Community College

6/6/15 - Uncommitted 2016 prospect. Large frame. Average athlete, over the top arm slot, works slightly across body, heel strike landing. Fastball sat 85-87 mph, worked downhill at times, average control. Plus potential curveball, 73-75 mph, 12/6 plane, swing and miss type pitch.

5/9/15 - 6-foot-3, 180-pound lean and athletic right-handed pitcher, high waist, long legs, projectable frame. Franklin utilizes a short, clean, quick, over-the-top arm slot, stride direction is slightly across his body, lands square, spins off on front foot at release. Shoulders stay level throughout delivery, work downhill slightly from the stretch (quicker leg lift where foot stays underneath knee/quick tuck and go). Fastball sat 86-88 mph early on, touching 89. Good downhill angle, occasional boring cutting action to glove side. Pairs fastball with hard, true 12/6 breaking ball, 75-77 mph, has potential to be a plus pitch down the road, tight, late break, changes planes vertically. Command wavers at times (6 walks in this outing), but isn’t overly wild. Projectable frame, velocity, and ability to throw a true power curveball could see Franklin garner professional scouting attention in the spring of 2016. He’s one of the top uncommitted RHP’s in Illinois’ 2016 class and a high follow prospect.

10/27/13 - Lanky, athletic frame, highly projectable build, 6-foot-3, 180-pound two way prospect. Projects well on the mound, high ceiling arm. Tall and fall delivery, shows some effort, athletic finish. Operates from an over the top arm slot, loose arm action, advanced arm speed. Fastball has run, hard heavy action, showed control, 84-85 mph. Curveball has potential, aggressive arm action, 11/5 plane, 67-71 mph, flashed occasional bite. Ran one of the best 60 times at the event (7.04). Defensively plays through the baseball with aggressive arm action, long over the top slot, 88 mph from the outfield with carry. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, short stride. Handsy swing, flat bat path, low finish. 82 mph exit velocity from the tee.