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Franklin’s Nolan Stevens ready to embrace the moment
(Courtesy: Nolan Stevens)

Franklin’s Nolan Stevens ready to embrace the moment

ELK GROVE, Calif. — The Delta League is known for producing some of the best high school baseball players in California. Current professional players J.D. Davis, Rowdy Tellez and Nick Madrigal are just a few to play in the Northern California Conference. Franklin High School junior Nolan Stevens is making his name known not just in the Golden State, but across the nation. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound left-handed pitcher and outfielder is one of the most sought after prospects in the 2023 class.

Stevens was set to play on varsity for the Franklin Wildcats as a freshman, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced the 2020 season to be canceled. The following season, the Wildcats lost 12 seniors, forcing the sophomore to take on a big leadership role, a role the 16-year-old would embrace.

He led Franklin to a 14-4 record in the Delta League, going 7-3 with a 1.92 earned run average and 77 strikeouts over 54 2/3 innings. The ace also delivered at the plate. In 28 games, Stevens hit .369 with 24 runs batted in.

People around the community are impressed with the success of the young man, however, Stevens is not satisfied. He recognizes his role on the team and is focused on leading them to a Delta League and section title. Standing in the way is rivalry Elk Grove High School. Franklin and Elk Grove have battled over the years and both often rank as two of the top schools in the area. Stevens knows what it means to beat a school like that.

“Beating Elk Grove would be huge for us. I believe they will be our biggest competitor in league,” he said. “They have a very good team this year and we are young. I think we are the underdogs in this scenario and we will surprise everyone. Can’t underestimate our team, we have a lot of young talent. We have every one of our pitchers returning and we only lose two seniors. These next two years will be fun.”

But it’s December and the high school baseball season usually is an afterthought in these winter months. Many players use the holiday season to recover and rest from the grueling marathon of the high school season, summer ball and fall baseball. For Stevens, it’s a time to mentally lock in and find ways to improve his game while still getting the necessary rest.

Three months until the spring season and it’s no surprise Stevens is already in the lab. It shouldn’t come as a shock to anyone who knows him. He was fortunate to have two older brothers excel at Franklin and understands the work it takes to get to the next level.

“I have been working out every day,” he said. “I hit on my own every day and consistently work with my hitting instructor Andy Lopez who has me really dialed in.”

Stevens spent much of 2021 showcasing his talent on the national stage, playing with Alpha Prime and Jupiter travel teams. He has impressed in showcases and tournaments in California, Georgia and Arizona. His strong frame has caught the eye of scouts at some of the top schools in the country.

Perfect Game, an organization hosting events and ranking players across the country had high praise for the talented lefty after his freshman year.

“Big jump this fall, true two-way potential; stood out at freshman WWBA, strong LH swing, upper 80’s low 90’s fastball,” is what Perfect Game had to say about Stevens.

Stevens was also selected to play for Area Codes underclass team as a freshman and sophomore, a roster that rarely includes freshman players.

Stevens remains uncommitted but has visited top college programs including LSU, Tennessee and Mississippi State. He remains patient in selecting where he will play after high school.

“In a school, I want to win!” he said. “I am the most competitive guy you will meet. A dream of mine is Omaha. I am also looking to be developed for an opportunity to make it to the big leagues.”

Stevens is dedicated to improving as a player in addition to excelling in the classroom. Programs across the country should be intrigued by his versatility. The power lefty throws five pitches: fastball, two seam, changeup, curveball and a spike slider. He has big pop at the plate and playmaking ability in the outfield. He continues to put in the work and with a good showing in his junior and senior seasons, Stevens dreams of Omaha and the big leagues could soon be a reality.

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