RED MEETS BLUE: BELL, FRANKEN ARE ALL-OHIO

COLUMBUS, OH- Two of the area’s top stars have gained some deserving accolades earlier this week.  Lisbon’s Logan Bell and Columbiana’s Chase Franken were chosen as All-Ohioan’s at their respective levels.

Logan Bell was chosen as First Team in Division IV and represented the Northeast in their selections.  Bell boasted a 7-2 record this season with a 0.91 ERA in just over 60 innings of work.  He also shattered Lisbon school records for strikeouts in a game (18) and in a season (131).  Bell’s numbers at the plate were just as impressive with a .506 batting average in 2019 which ties a school record as well.

Those numbers are no surprise when you take a look at the University of Akron recruit’s career marks for strikeouts (311) and ERA at 1.59.

“Logan is a great student of the game.  He is always thinking about ways to achieve greater success…constantly asking questions, helping the pitcher that day with things he sees from the dugout.  He is truly a player young guys can look at as a great role model and I’m so happy he’s on my side, and not against.” says Bell’s summer league coach, Don Pletcher of the Astro Falcons.

Columbiana’s Chase Franken was also selected as All-Ohio as Honorable Mention in Division III.  Columbiana’s record holder for doubles, triples, and runs is stacking awards from all over and is just getting ready to become a senior in 2020.  This year, Franken posted a minuscule 0.74 ERA with 75 strikeouts to coincide.  Offensively, he led the Clippers in every category but runs batted in.  A .443 average that included a pair of home runs, a dozen doubles, six triples, and 21 steals.  Franken still feels his senior season could be his best yet.

“Chase is a dirt-dog.  He will use every tool in his belt to succeed.  He is the best second baseman in the league, and looks to other players for guidance, and will follow in their footsteps when he plays at the D1 level.” added Franken’s summer manager, Pletcher.

You can catch both Bell and Franken playing this summer in the Youngstown Class B league for the Astro Falcons.

Congratulations to both on stellar seasons, and best of luck to both as they transition to summer ball.