POND ISLAND--Professional Baseball Player Franklin van Gurp stopped by the St. Maarten Little League Ballpark on Pond Island Saturday. He visited his old coach and pitched a few innings for the girls and boys on the field.
He talked to the group, of pre-teens, about the importance of Education. Van Gurp attended Florida International College. He talked about discipline, both staying out of trouble and working hard to get ahead.
“Baseball is a lot of fun,” said the 6-foot1 210 pound pitcher who was drafted by the Giants earlier this year. Van Gurp had started on St. Maarten as a catcher.
“My first season I spent in Arizona.” Van Gurp pitched 29.1 innings. He had five wins including the game that put his team in the finals, and lost 1. He had an earned run average of .92.
He gave up 17 hits resulting in 8 runs of which only three were earned. He allowed one home run but struck out 41.
“I had a really good year.” He continued, “I’m looking forward to spring training and my next assignment.”
Van Gurp was on Island for a week to check in with family and lend a hand with the recovery. He now heads to Florida for “Rookie Conditioning Camp.”
