Prep Baseball Report

Q&A With Wisconsin-Whitewater Commit Franklin Kirchner


By: Peter Hamot
Assistant Scouting Director, Illinois & Wisconsin

LHP Franklin Kirchner (Conant, 2025) was one of the more dominant pitchers in the state this past spring, helping to lead Conant to the State Finals where they eventually went on to finish in second place at the 4A level. Kirchner's dominance came to the tune of a 9-1 record on top of 65.2 innings pitched, 82 strikeouts, just 22 walks and a 2.13 ERA. 

The southpaw first got on our radar at the Southwest Chicago Preseason ID where he gave a strong look with a fastball up to 82 mph with natural sink, pairing with a quality slider/changeup duo and easy movement patterns. He continued to gain steam throughout the spring and carried it well into the summer, continuing to tick up his velocity to 83 mph and miss barrels consistently. 

We recently had the chance to talk to Kirchner about his recruitment process, found below. 

Our Q&A 

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?

Franklin: I expected to be noticed through just playing in high school. For college I wanted somewhere in the midwest, somewhere that was good financially and somewhere with great culture.

P: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Where did the school you committed to first see you play?

F: The recruiting process started to heat up at the end of my high school baseball season and the playoffs was where most schools saw me play.

P: What do you like most about the program you chose, and what were the key factors in making your decision?

F: I really like the coaches and winning history they’ve brought to the school. The facilities were also the best I’ve seen out of all the schools I visited.

P: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?

F: St. Xavier, Roosevelt and Elmhurst.

P: Who is the best player you have faced in your state? What about them makes for a tough opponent?

F: The best player I’ve faced was Ryan Sloan. He was a tough opponent because you know who he is as a player and just preparing to face him is way different than any other person.

P: At what point in your career did you realize you were a college-caliber player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?

F: Ever since I started playing baseball I’ve always been passionate about playing at the next level.

P: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?

F: Having a good plan and just being consistent. Also do the small things because it can lead to bigger opportunities.

P: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?

F: Pitching in the state semi-final. 

P: Preview your high school team's season for us. How do you feel your team will be?

F: I think we will be really solid. We have a young core and some were able to watch the seniors from last season and learn from them.

P: Who is the next talented young player to keep an eye on out of your high school or travel program?

F: Jacob Szpiganowicz, Arjun Patel and Alex Martinez

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