Senior right-hander signs with nationally-ranked CSN
(Jan. 26, 2010) – Bonanza senior Mario Franzese pridefully wears his Bonanza jersey with the No. 6 stitched on the back.
The jersey itself has been worn by countless former Bengals ahead of him, but the two most recent prior to Franzese were Ross MacDonald and Chasen Shreve, both of whom went on to pitch for local national powerhouse, the College of Southern Nevada.
Now, the 2010 version of No. 6 is following in their footsteps as Franzese has signed his national letter-of-intent to play for CSN next spring. The 6-foot-4 senior signed in early January, making him the second senior to sign with a national power from the 2010 senior class as shortstop Kris Bryant signed with University of San Diego.
"Mario has been a guy who has worked throughout his time here at Bonanza," head coach Derek Stafford said. "He has the frame to continue his growth and fill out into what looks to be a promising baseball career beyond our baseball diamond here at Bonanza. He's a great kid with some very effective stuff off the bump and he will do well under the coaching staff there at CSN."
Franzese becomes the ninth Bengal to play for the 2003 national championship and national Coach of the Year Tim Chambers. In fact, Franzese is the seventh Bonanza player to sign with CSN since Stafford and his coaching staff took over five years ago. By the time Franzese finishes his two-year stint at CSN, there will have been a Bengal playing as a Coyote for seven consecutive seasons, dating back to 2006.
Franzese has been the Bengals' ace for two seasons, showing consistent dominance in the state's toughest division. "Cheese" finished the 2009 season with an 2-4 record while posting a 4.30 ERA with 50 strikeouts in 50 innings pitched in a down year for Bonanza, which is expected to contend for the Southwest Divisional title this spring. He also will see time as an outfielder and infielder for the Bengals in 2010.
"Mario has always been the kind of player you would go to great lengths to work for," assistant coach Kevin Fiddler said. "Since the first day he came in, he has been a sponge in the dugout. Even when he was earning his keep as a youngen, he was always sitting there, asking questions and trying to better himself as a player and person.
"When you coach, special players come and go. Mario is one such player and it's exciting to see him move on to the next level. You can bet we, as a coaching staff, will be out there to support him as he lives his dream. It's easy to honestly say that Mario deserves everything, especially the great moments of success, coming his way."
Franzese's signing is the second of six senior starters returning to the Bengal squad this spring. Eddie Orozco, Ted Merich, Hunter Davidson, and Anthony Risucci have yet to sign but have been receiving interest from more than a few college coaches.
Bonanza opens its season March 11at home against Southeast Divisional foe, Silverado High School.
