So far this season, catcher Jonathan French has been a large contributor to the success of the Falmouth Commodores. French has posted a .273/.351/.515 slashline, along with 11 hits, two home runs and a pair of doubles. He has also driven in five runs and walked a total of four times.
French grew up in Lilburn, Georgia, having attended Parkview High School. He described his hometown environment as a place full of close relationships and strong connections.
“It’s a small town in Georgia that’s just a really big family,” French said. “That’s pretty much what it is like, the whole community would come out to all the sporting events like baseball and football games. It’s awesome.”
French mentioned that the most influential person throughout his baseball career has been his father.
“My dad,” French said when asked who has played the largest role in his success. “He’s always pushed me to be the best version of me I can be every day. He’s always helped me with my nutrition and health. He’s just alway been right there by my side, just doing whatever he can to help.”
Following his successful high school career, French was ranked as the 56th best prospect nationally by Perfect Game and was drafted in the 30th round by the Cleveland Indians. The catcher then committed to play baseball at Clemson University.
“It was pretty much the same environment as home,” French said about his feelings on Clemson. “I just felt like it was just one big family there with all the athletes and everybody around.”
During his true freshman year, French suffered a broken leg, resulting in him missing the entire 2020 season. The catcher then batted a .248/.347/.416 slashline, collecting five home runs, 21 runs batted in, as well as two doubles and 14 walks in 31 games of action during his redshirt freshman year.
French is now currently ranked as the 19th best college prospect and fourth best ACC prospect for the 2022 MLB Draft by Baseball America.
Now playing in Falmouth, French said he is extremely appreciative of the opportunity to have a chance to play in the premier summer baseball league in the country.
“It’s a blessing,” French said. “[There are] A lot of great baseball players out here and it’s awesome to be a part of something special like this.”
The Tiger has very high expectations for the Commodores this season, as he looks to win a Cape Cod Baseball League Championship this summer.
“We all want to win a championship up here,” French said.
French also sets mental goals for himself that he wants to achieve..
“I just want to be the best me I can be everyday,” French said. “I’m trying to stay out of my way the best I can. I feel like I have a tendency to overthink things and pressure myself. I just want to enjoy the moment.”
Learn more about Jonathan French:
WK: Growing up, what was a nickname you had that people called you?
JF: People always called me Frenchie. I grew up with a lot of nicknames like J, John, French, Frenchie, pretty much anything you can think of.
WK: Who is your favorite baseball team growing up?
JF: Probably the Boston Red Sox because my sister was a Yankees fan so I wanted to make her mad all the time.
WK: Who was your favorite baseball player?
JF: My favorite baseball player has always been Yadier Molina.
WK: How come?
JF: He’s the best catcher in the game.
WK: Who do you try to replicate your game after?
JF: Yadier Molina and Willson Contreras. I love watching both of them catch.
WK: What kind of similarities do you think you have with them, and try to replicate?
JF: I try to take how they manage games, how they handle their pitchers, and the leadership they show back there every day and put that into my game.
WK: Who is your favorite non-baseball athlete?
JF: Lebron James because he’s the greatest of all-time.
WK: What about your favorite non-baseball team?
JF: Whoever Lebron is playing for.
WK: What’s your favorite food?
JF: A nice T-bone steak.
WK: How about your favorite movie?
JF: I like Goodwill Hunting and Inception.
WK: What’s your favorite TV show?
JF: I don’t really have a favorite TV show but, I would say the show that I enjoyed watching the most is Peaky Blinders.
WK: What about your favorite song or album?
JF: “The Devil is Alive,” by Rick Ross.
WK: And your favorite musical artist?
JF: Drake. All day Drake.
WK: What’s been your favorite about being in Falmouth?
JF: Probably the food. I’ve been loving the food.
WK: What’s been your favorite?
JF: Lobster roll. I love a good lobster roll.
WK: What’s been your baseball highlight throughout your career so far?
JF: Going back to high school, being able to win two state championships in a row.
This Interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Note: Featured image by Joe Cavanaugh.
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Will Kharfen can be reached at wkharfen@umass.edu. Follow him on twitter @WillKharfen.
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