Trojan News

Francescon transferred to Trevecca from Middle Tennessee State University prior to the 2010-2011 school year. Francescon played his high school baseball at Ravenwood High School.

PJ Francescon Bio - http://www.tnutrojans.com/roster/13/8/1446.php

Francescon produced a 6-2 record overall this season with a 3.28 earned run average. He had a team-high six complete games and two shutouts with 66 strike outs over 68.2 innings pitched. Opposing batters hit just .266 against Francescon this year. Francecson turned it up in TranSouth conference games with a 6-0 with a 2.12 era while striking out 43 in 42.1 innings pitched. Francescon had a career-high 14 strike outs against Martin Methodist in the TranSouth Tournament. The junior was named TranSouth Pitcher of the Week twice.

Francescon was surfing on his laptop when his name was called, "I had been following along for two days waiting to be picked. As soon as it was announced my phone went crazy and my mom came home early to celebrate. There were tears of joy."

As to whether he'll sign, Francescon says that it is possible, "We'll talk with the Cubs and if their offer is right I'll have to consider signing."

Francescon said he thanks all of his coaches, in particular Trevecca pitching coach Luke Brown, "Coach Brown is the one who developed my changeup and improved my mechanics. You could see the results as the year progressed."

As for Coach Burton, Francescon said he is thankful for his trust and re-opening the door to baseball, "I had gotten out of baseball after my injury and he gave me a chance to come back. He believed in me and I'll always be grateful for that. Coach Thomas was great as well. He supported me as did the entire team. I'm really thankful for the chance to play again at Trevecca."

Trevecca pitching coach Luke Brown, a former NAIA All-American pitcher, says Francescon is someone that has earned this opportunity, "PJ is another guy that is deserving to be drafted. He is one of the most gifted pitchers I've coached or played with. I'm extremely happy for PJ and proud of the way he handled his role this year for our team. He is a pleasure to coach every day."

Craig Stem of Trevecca drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 15th round of the 2011 Major League Baseball (MLB) Amateur Draft. He was the 464th overall pick, just one pick behind Brad Coon who was the 463rd pick.

Brad Coon, who reached Triple-A Salt Lake for more than a season, was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in the 15th round of the 2005 MLB Amateur Draft. Coon is currently in the LA Dodgers organization playing for the Double-A Chattanooga Lookouts.

Former TNU pitcher and Coon's teammate B.J. Jenkins was taken by the San Diego Padres in the 28th round in the 2004 MLB Draft.

Former Trevecca pitcher Tim Dunn was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the 46th round of the 2009 draft. Dunn returned for his senior season at Trevecca, but an arm injury prevented him from being drafted again in 2010.

Trevecca outfielder Mario Campos was a 29th round selection by the Boston Red Sox in the 2001 draft. Another Trojan outfielder, Seth Richmond, was taken in the 1983 draft when the Houston Astros picked him in the 24th round.

Mike Mills, who pitched his senior year at Birmingham Southern but played for Trevecca prior to his final season, was drafted by the San Diego Padres in the seventh round of the 1983 MLB Amateur Draft. Mills, while with Trevecca, was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the 32nd round of the 1982 MLB Draft.

Dunn, Coon, Jenkins, Campos, Richmond, and Mills are the only known Trojans that have been drafted by a Major League team. Trevecca has had several players signed by Major League teams. Rob Erwin, Keith Black, Eric Van Slyke, Luke Brown, Maurice Cole and Jeremy Todd were signed and played professional.