By KEN HAMWEY, 

Staff Sports Writer

Jake Fitzgibbons missed an opportunity to build on a top-notch sophomore season of baseball when the coronavirus forced state officials to cancel all spring sports last year.

Batting eighth in the lineup, all the Franklin native did was hit .300, compile an on-base percentage of .425 and drive in seven runs. A smooth fielder at second base, he managed to get two starts on the mound and finished with a 2-0 record, a 3.50 E.R.A. and 10 strikeouts in 14 innings. 

Fitzgibbons definitely played a role in helping the Panthers post a 21-1 record in 2019 and qualify for the Super-8 Tournament.

Now, the 18-year-old Franklin High senior, who can play five positions, is eager to continue with a sport he’s enjoyed since he was six. His emotions today are very different than they were last spring.

“When all sports were canceled last spring, I was angry and disappointed,’’ Fitzgibbons said. “I felt cheated losing my junior season. But, it’s an exciting time now. Baseball is about to start, and I can’t wait for the opener.’’

Fitzgibbons is acutely aware there’ll be modifications, like wearing masks, distancing and applying hand sanitizer. But, he’s prepared for whatever is required. “Baseball is a sport that involves adjusting, so I’ll deal with whatever changes are necessary. What’s important is that health and safety come first for everyone. But, if we can play and also deal safely with the virus, then that’s an acceptable option.’’

Coach Zach Brown had plenty of options finding a varsity role for Fitzgibbons. The 5-foot-11, 180-pounder is a remarkably versatile athlete. He can pitch, catch, play shortstop, second and third base. Maybe that’s why the University of Hartford moved quickly in offering Fitzgibbons a scholarship. He verbally committed to Hartford at the start of his junior year.

Hartford’s coach, Justin Blood, hasn’t guaranteed Fitzgibbons playing time, but he does like his versatile nature. 

“Coach Blood said he liked my swing,’’ Fitzgibbons said. “He said that I also could play in the outfield, infield or at catcher. I’m honored to receive a scholarship. Playing college ball was a goal I set in seventh grade. The scholarship puts me in a good spot and gives me an opportunity’’

Fitzgibbons isn’t sure where he’ll play this season for the Panthers, but Brown is leaning towards catcher or shortstop. “Jake will play wherever he makes us stronger,’’ Brown said. “He’s never overwhelmed, and the game comes to him naturally. He’s athletic, skilled and has a high baseball IQ. If we use him to catch, his strong arm and his ability to block the plate and call a strong game will be big assets.’’

Fitzgibbons does have a preference. “Catching is my favorite position,’’ he said. “It’s like being a quarterback, calling the plays and the pitches. I like encouraging our pitchers and settling them down, if needed.’’

When hitting, the left-handed Fitzgibbons is aggressive, quick to jump on a first pitch. “The key is timing and anticipating what kind of pitch is coming,’’ he noted. When pitching, the right-hander works fast, aims for pinpoint control, strives to stay ahead in the count and relies on a fastball (80 mph), curve change-up and slider. In the infield, especially at shortstop, he’s all about being mentally focused. “A strong arm and good range are the keys to getting to a ball in the hole or up the middle,’’ he said. 

Fitzgibbons is optimistic that when Franklin’s season gets underway, the Panthers will have quality talent that features promising pitching and hitting. 

“Our team will be younger than usual and we’ll have some inexperience, but it’ll be a hard-working group,’’ he said. “We can make a run at whatever kind of post-season there might be and I hope everyone enjoys playing. It’s a time to enjoy the journey after being deprived of it last spring. Mansfield and North Attleboro will likely be strong opponents.’’

Relying on a competitive philosophy of winning, reaching his potential and having fun, 

A good student, Fitzgibbons, who’ll be playing his third year for the Franklin Legion this summer, is undecided on his major at the University of Hartford, but he’s considering  physical therapy or sports management. As for baseball, he’s fully aware that the transition from Franklin High to Division 1 Hartford will be smooth, only if he works hard.

“I’ll be prepared because at Franklin, our practices are like college ball,’’ he said. “There’s no doubt that the college game will be faster and all the players will be talented, probably all former high school all-stars. But, a strong work ethic should ensure a good transition.’’

Brown is convinced Fitzgibbons will succeed because “Jake is a baseball junkie whose versatility will help him.’’

Two attributes that should lead to a formula for achievement.