Baseball Q&A: Trevor Franklin

Junior right-handed pitcher Trevor Franklin of the Pepperdine baseball team has made an astonishing comeback after a major surgery his sophomore year. In this interview we discussed how he got through his injury and how his first game back on the mound went:

Q: During your sophomore year you had Tommy John surgery on your arm. How did this surgery impact you?

A: It was a tough setback, but adversity is a part of life. I am thankful that I have been able to face this adversity at a young age, in order to make me a stronger person in life. I am incredibly blessed to be surrounded by great family and friends who helped me along the road of recovery.

Q: How hard was it to sit out for two seasons?

A: It was extremely challenging. It really takes a toll on a person mentally when you are unable to compete with your teammates and have to stay back when they travel on the road. It allowed me to build greater friendships with teammates in the dugout, and really see that there is more to life than just throwing a baseball.

Q: What was the surgery and rehab process like?

A: The surgery and rehab process was long, and mentally testing for a couple of years. I am so grateful for our hard-working trainers, AJ VanderVorste, Nicole Elby, Stew Gonzalez, and our coaching staff for working with me over the years. Through the ups and downs they were always there to keep me going. Without them I would not be where I am today.

Q: Your first game back was against the University of the Pacific on March 31. How did it feel to be back on the mound in a real game?

A: It was an exciting moment for sure. Personally, I won't even remember pitching in the game down the road. I will remember for the rest of my life the reaction from our dugout and my teammates, it was a great example of the love and support they have showed me. My teammates and coaches have stood by me throughout all the years of rehab. I am so grateful for their support and friendship over the years, and I was just happy to get outs and get the offense back to work.

Q: Now that you're back, what are your hopes and expectations for the rest of this season, and moving forward?

A: My hopes and expectations will be the same as they have always been. I just want to treat people the right way, be the best teammate that I can possibly be, and to help the team win as many games as we can. We have a tremendous group of guys this year and I believe in our team and our coaches, and I know if we stick together we can do special things.

Q: How has your team helped you with your healing process, physically and mentally?

A: Without the team, I wouldn't be where I am today. They are my best friends and I love every single one of them for sticking by my side throughout the tough years of injury and rehab. I am just excited to be able to be healthy and contribute to the great culture we have built.

Q: Your father Paul also played baseball here at Pepperdine, and in 1979 he made it to the College World Series. How did he impact your baseball career and decision to play here at Pepperdine?

A: My father Paul, and my mother Jan are the biggest blessings in my life. Although my father played here, there was never any pressure on me to follow in his footsteps. They have seen my ups and downs and have stayed my biggest supporters in my life. Ultimately, I came to Pepperdine, to play for Coach Hirtensteiner, Coach Garza, and because I believed in the Pepperdine program. I wanted nothing more than to continue the winning legacy carried on from those before me.

Players Mentioned

Trevor Franklin

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