Falcon ace selects William Jewell

Travis McClain nearly pitched the West Franklin High School baseball team into its first state tournament.

The senior put on one of his best displays in pitching seven innings against Central Heights in the regional final in May.

He was nearly unhittable that day, his final one as a West Franklin baseball player.

McClain ranks among the program’s leaders in five pitching categories.

His lanky frame and his high school career numbers had college coaches competing for his signature.

McClain decided to sign with William Jewell, a program that has averaged 43 wins the past four seasons.

The Cardinals are coached by former Ottawa University baseball player Mike Stockton, who is a Garnett native.

He joins former Ottawa High School stars Joe Malin, Freddie Adamson and Blake Hiatt on the William Jewell College Cardinal roster.

McClain is the 12th West Franklin baseball player to earn a baseball scholarship in the eight-year history of the program.

“Travis wanted to go to a school with great academics and a successful baseball program.

“Coach Stockton runs the best small college program around and William Jewell is an excellent school.  It was a perfect fit,” West Franklin coach Ian Evans said.

McClain ranks first all-time in the program in innings pitched with 105.

He is first in strikeouts (139); fourth in wins (12); fourth in ERA (2.19) and second in saves (6).

He is a three-time all-league selection by the Flint Hills coaches.

He was a Kansas Amateur Baseball Association all-league selection last summer.

He ranks in the top three in all West Franklin single-season and career pitching records.

He also received a scholars scholarship from William Jewell.

“Over the past four years, Travis has improved as much or more than any player I have ever coached,” Evans said.

“His love for the game drives him to work hard. His is one of the best (if not the best) pitchers we have ever had at West Franklin.

“Travis is a competitor who wants the ball against the best teams with the game on the line. It has been an honor to coach him.”