Baseball interviews are BACK!
I understand that the baseball season has concluded, but these interviews are incredibly enjoyable to produce, and I was occupied with managing the baseball program. They were well-received last year, as you can see on my profile. I’m delighted to inform you that we have more in the works. The first interview features standout shortstop Brooks Franklin, who will be attending Navy this fall in Annapolis to play baseball and potentially serve in the military. Brooks embodies the spirit of leadership, captaincy, and is a key player in this current generation of ballplayers, as evident in his college commitment and playstyle. I have no doubt that Brooks will thrive with the character he has cultivated here at DeMatha, and you’ll witness that throughout this interview. Without further ado, here’s my interview with Brooks Franklin.
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Q: What’s your day-to-day routine for practice and/or gamedays?
A: My day-to-day routine when it comes to a practice day is to work on ground balls and make sure my swing feels good throughout our drills. I make sure to do multiple drills, but I emphasize on the outcome. On game days, I trust the process and believe in myself. I know the hard work I’ve put in climbing up to the game and I have to go out there and give it my all.
Q: I know the season ended on a bad note (a 14-2 mercy loss at PVI in their first playoff game) but what do you take away from that and how to improve moving forward?
A: Obviously as a senior it sucks to go home without the win, but I now know what it means to lose in such a tough situation and build from it.
Q: Who’s a teammate that went under the radar this season that deserves a shoutout?
A: A teammate that stood out to me this year was sophomore Zach Perlin. He took the job as a key infielder for us this year after being moved around in the outfield during the fall. Seeing him handle top-notch competition in the WCAC really stood out to me. It’s hard for an underclassman to go out on the field and compete against guys 2 years older throwing 90-91. He is only getting better and can’t wait to see what he does in his upcoming years at DeMatha.
Q: I remember when brooks Robinson died, DM said u were nicknamed for him. What’s the story behind that?
A: My dad grew up a big-time Orioles fan and loved watching Brooks play. He told me when I was younger that he would announce baby names like an announcer would do at baseball games, and said Brooks felt best for it.
Q: That’s awesome. Do you model your defensive game after Robinson?
A: Oh 100%. One of the greatest infielders ever.
Q: What are some of your favorite memories, baseball related or not?
A: My favorite memories at DeMatha were the team baseball trips during spring break. Being all together as a team was great for team bonding and it creates friendships that will last forever.
Q: What advice would you give for guys who will be the future face of the baseball program?
A: For guys coming in the future to represent the baseball program, play for the name on the front of the jersey. Always play hard and learn how to fail. But also know how to get back up.
Q: Do you feel like DeMatha has prepared you both athletically and academically?
A: Yes, it definitely helped. I’ve learned a lot from my 4 years and it’s all because of the teachers and coaches at DeMatha.
Q: What’s one thing you will look to develop in college?
A: I’ll look develop more time management skills and will learn to face failure. The completion will be better, and I will be a 19-year-old going up against possibly 24-year-old kids. Learn from failure is huge.
Q: Why did you decide to commit to Navy, especially since it has more long-term implications than a normal commitment?
A: I committed to the Naval Academy because it’s an opportunity than very few people are given. I took my official visit and fell in love with the school, the coaches, the players and everyone there. The students at the naval academy have a well-rounded personality divided up into grit, hard work and discipline. It is also a challenging environment, and I want to challenge myself and continue to thrive even after I graduate.
Q: Do you plan to stick at Navy and serve after two years, transfer to play baseball, or are you unsure at the moment?
A: I definitely want to serve but I have the opportunity to play at another big-time college or get drafted then I will take it.
Q: What’s your favorite DeMatha Baseball Jersey-Hat combination?
A: All whites. They’re the best ones.
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Thank you to Brooks for the time and best of luck to the Midshipman in the next chapter!
