Former Ranger Now Catching For Raging Tide

Fran Whitten says his parents have seen him play baseball "pretty often" this summer.

Westborough community members might not recognize the name on the front of Whitten's uniform, though.

Whitten, a 2009 Westborough High School graduate, catches for the Old Orchard Beach Raging Tide, in the Futures Collegiate Baseball League.

Besides the Tide, the league consists of the Brockton Rox, the Martha's Vineyard Sharks, the Nashua Silver Knights, the North Shore Navigators, the Pittsfield Suns, the Seacoast Mavericks, the Torrington Titans and the Wachusett Dirt Dawgs.

The Tide are 16-18, tied for fourth place with North Shore, entering Saturday night's home game against the Navigators. Old Orchard Beach is six games behind league leader Martha's Vineyard.

Whitten is hitting .200, with 2 HR and 12 RBI. This past week, on July 15, he had his best game of the month, going 3 for 5 with 2 RBI and a stolen base against the Rox.

Whitten graduated from the University of Maine this spring.

This interview was conducted by e-mail.

Westborough Patch
How did you join the Raging Tide? Is there a league draft? Tryouts?

Fran Whitten
I joined the team because Taylor sent a contract to my coach. I think there is a tryout process, but I was not a part of that.


Westborough Patch
How does the competition compare to your college opponents?

Fran Whitten
I think the competition is pretty comparable to our league. The America East put a lot of kids in this league, so there's a good amount of competition from our league.

Westborough Patch
How have your skills improved this summer? Are you working on specific things? 

Fran Whitten
I have been working hard at catching. Specifically on my receiving. (Head Coach Chris Torres) has been helpful because he was a catcher and knows what he is talking about. Also, I think they have helped me with my swing a lot too. I think I have definitely improved so far this summer. It's nice being able to play everyday.

Westborough Patch
How often do your friends and family from the Westborough area see you play?

Fran Whitten
My parents come up pretty often to see me. And a few friends recently came up to catch a game. They'er usually busy with school and new jobs so it's tough for them to come up.

Westborough Patch
Do you ever play against former high school opponents?

Fran Whitten
I don't think there is anyone I played high school against in this league. I know that none of my close friends from high school that also played aren't at least.

Westborough Patch
How do you spend your off-days?

Fran Whitten
On my off days I tend to relax and hang out with some of the guys on the team or friends living in the area from school. I like to fish or sit on the beach and sometimes I like to get a workout or hit a little bit in the cages in the morning to have the rest of the day to relax.