Coach Vucan announced Monday the Hall of Fame inductees for the Franklin Baseball 2008 season. This year's class includes Nick Hinojos (EPCC), Jonathon Bramble (Air Force Academy) and Josh Blanco (Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim). "Every year this is such a tough process because we have quite a few who are deserving and when we match up the player with the criteria you are faced with tough decisions. We certainly are blessed to have such commitment to our program and certainly every Senior that makes it through our program has given 110 percent of themselves." said Coach Vucan. 2008 was another great year for the Cougars who finished 2nd in the District and defeated Lubbock Monterey in the Bi-District round before falling in game #3 to a strong Ft. Worth Paschal club in the Area playoffs. Below are the three inductees and their accomplishments at Franklin High School.
JOSH BLANCO - Josh was drafted by the Angels and spent most of the summer after graduation pitching in the Arizona Rookie League. Josh won four playoff games on the mound during his time which tied him with Clay Boone (2001 Hall of Inductee) for all time playoff wins in Franklin History. Josh was a three year starter and anchored down the pitching staff from 2006-2008. "Josh certainly played a huge part in our success and he gave us an identity on the mound and real credibility throughout the State." said Coach Vucan.
NICK HINOJOS - Nick is currently playing for EPCC and is the only Cougar in history to start as a Freshman. Nick was chosen all four years to the All-District Team. Nick had a career batting average of .454(3rd all-time) with 17 career homeruns and 31 doubles. Nick is 2nd all time in SLG% with a .796 mark. "Nick was strength of our defense for four years and was a big part of the turnaround in the program." said Coach Vucan.
JOHNATHON BRAMBLE - Johnie accepted a baseball scholarship to the very prestigious Air Force Academy where he has already taken a leadership role for the Falcons this Fall. Johnie played the 2007 and 2008 seasons on the Varsity and made his breakthrough in the 2007 playoffs against Odessa and Midland Lee where he displayed big game performances that would be the hallmark of his outstanding career here at Franklin High School. Johnie’s single in the 7th inning drove in the winning run versus the #1 State ranked Socorro Bulldogs in 2008. Johnie was selected 1st Team -All District Outfielder in 2008 and was named to the All-City Team as well. Johnie hit .424 last season with 9 doubles, 6 triples and 2 homeruns. "Johnie set himself apart from others with his determination and grit. I never had to worry about whether our club was ready to play with Johnie there he provided the fight and energy every game he played and that intensity will be hard to replace." said Coach Vucan
CONGRATULATIONS!
ALL-STATE Selections to the prestigious
Texas Sports Writers Association's All-State Baseball Teams, 5A - 1A
Third Team Pitcher - Josh Blanco
Honorable Mention - Second Baseman Chuck Duarte
Honorable Mention - Shortstop Nick Hinojos
CONGRATULATIONS!
ALL-CITY BASEBALL
First Team
CONGRATULATIONS!
ALL-STATE FHS Baseball Cougar
CHUCK DUARTE
Junior second-baseman Chuck Duarte was named on Thursday to the prestigious Texas High School Baseball ALL-STATE TEAM and was chosen 2nd Team Infielder. Duarte had a stellar year for the Cougars setting the All-Time Cougar Hit Record in a season. Duarte hit .476 with 8 doubles, 3 triples and 2 homers. More impressively he had a .622 On-Base-Percentage and struck out only 5 times in 99 at-bats. Duarte also led the team in stolen bases with 14 and scored a team high 30 runs for the Cougars. Duarte was also clutch defensively fielding at a .926 clip turning 11 double plays. Duarte was also 1-0 on the mound with a 2.75 ERA. Chuck hit safely in 14 of the 16 District games and had multiple hits in 12 of those 14. "Obviously we are very excited for Chuck and it goes to show that hard work really pays off. Chuck committed himself to becoming an impact player in his first year on Varsity and he could not have had a better year," said Coach Vucan. Congratulations Chuck from the Cougar baseball family.
