Franklin Pitcher Off to Flawless Start

Life as a pitcher is far easier with a short-term memory—forgetting a bad outing and moving on to the next game.

But sometimes it’s not that simple. Franklin High School pitching standout Jordan Johnson was forced to hold on to the memory of a particular rough performance for nearly a year.

That’s because the last time Johnson took the mound prior to this season came last May in a rough playoff loss against Jesuit High School in which he allowed eight earned runs in 2.1 innings.

Motivated by the way that junior season ended, Johnson vowed to work harder physically and mentally in the offseason. So far, the results are outstanding. Johnson couldn’t have bounced back anymore emphatically.

In Franklin’s opener on March 8, the 6-foot-3 right-hander began his senior season by pitching a seven-inning no-hitter at Granite Bay, despite the game ending in a 0-0 tie. Johnson, who also plays multiple positions in the field, homered and drove in four runs in the team’s second game.

Talk about building new memories.

“He put a lot of time and work in this offseason and preseason to try and become a premier player in our section,” Franklin coach Mike Cody said. “It’s pretty evident the hard work he has put in.”

Johnson signed in January to play at California State Northridge and earned first-team all-league in the Delta Valley Conference last season. When not pitching, he starts in the field and hits.

Elk Grove Patch chatted with Johnson about his sensational start to his senior season.

Last season had its ups and downs. What’s been the difference early this season?

I knew I had the ability to do well because of improvements I made last season and that motivated me. My first start was pretty good so I hope to see more of that.

What was it you worked on?

I gained some weight. I didn’t throw too much, just lots of physical and mental work. It was good to know I was back at zero and had a fresh start and had nothing to really worry about.

Talk about the experience of throwing a no-hitter to start the season.

It gave me more confidence just to know that I could do that. I’m expecting to be successful because I know I can do it. I know I started off well and I just want to stay there. I don’t want to take it for granted, but keep working that same level.

Had you ever thrown a no-hitter before? Were there nerves while facing the final few hitters?

No, I hadn’t. I wasn’t really nervous though. I was more focused on making sure I didn’t change anything. I wanted to stay consistent with how I was the previous at-bats.

How many pitches do you throw?

Three: a fastball, curveball and changeup.

Which pitch do you enjoy throwing the most?

My curveball. It’s effective and I can locate it real well.

What type of pitcher are you?

I throw hard but I hit my locations as well.

How hard can you throw your fastball?

93 mph.

How did you learn how to pitch?

When I was around nine years old, my Grandfather and my Dad taught me. They both played baseball.

What Major League pitcher do you most model your style off of?

Not really anyone. I haven’t really compared myself to anybody.

What positions do you play outside of pitching?

I don’t really have a single position but they have me at shortstop, third base and catcher. I prefer pitching, though.

What type of teammate are you?

I am not outgoing. I am more of a quiet leader. I am not one to pump people up.

How do you protect your arm as a high school pitcher?

Just making sure I ice after I throw, making sure I don’t throw too much at practice, throwing once a week. Taking it easy a couple days after when it’s sore. Eating right and staying hydrated.

What do you like to do outside of baseball?

Hanging out with friends, snowboard and riding dirt bikes.

Where do you ride dirt bikes?

Hangtown. Not so often during baseball season, but during the offseason I’ll go about once every weekend.

What are your future goals in pitching?

I want to make a professional career out of it. This year I want to keep my ERA below 1.00, limit my losses and win league.

Any aspirations outside of a pitching career?

I haven’t really thought about that yet.