The Frankford Family

By Melissa Yerkov
Times Sports Editor

They finished their regular season in first place with a 12-2 record. Then they defeated Central High School, 7-5, on May 29 and were crowned Public League champions.
But the guys on Frankford High School’s baseball team weren’t done playing yet. Many of them decided to team up on Olney’s American Legion team this summer with hopes of continuing their success on the diamond.
"Playing together the whole year is great," said Jon Bracero, a shortstop for both Frankford and the Redbirds. "It creates a stronger bond. Now we have a lot of time together, and as a team, we grow stronger."
The Juniata resident played for Olney Legion during his freshman year at Frankford. And after three years with the squad, he has found a second family.
"Once you’ve already played with these guys, you have a bond for life," he said.
Olney recently defeated Bustleton during a three-game series last week. Olney won the first game, 4-1, on July 18. They lost the following day, 15-1, but came out on top after winning game three, 3-2 on July 20.
Olney is scheduled to face Ivy Ridge and had a 1-0 advantage in the best of three series when the Times went to press.
"I think one of the reasons we are so good is because we’ve been playing together for a while now," said Bracero. "We have a good mix of kids who can play ball, and we’ve become a really good team."
With a good team comes excellent leadership. And luckily for Bracero, he has two exceptional coaches.
One is Bob Peffle, who has led the Frankford Pioneers baseball team for 18 years.
The other — his dad.
"Jon is an excellent player," said his father Jose, who also coaches the Redbirds. "He has been my rock because he’s my son. He’s the one who keeps us going. He works hard. You can’t have a better son than that.
"I’m an intense guy and I go at him a lot," he continued. "But these kids are well-coached. They come out of Frankford High School. We don’t have to do too much. They are excellent ballplayers."
Frankford athletics have maintained a reputation for quality throughout the years — much of it attributed to Peffle. However, much to Frankford’s dismay, the coaching guru announced his retirement earlier this summer.
"We have a new coach coming in, but he knows what he’s doing," said Bracero, referring to former assistant coach Juan Namnun, who will lead the Pioneers this year. "He’s been taught by the best. He’s going to get the job done. Hopefully we’ll go out there and have a repeat of last season. We have pretty much the same team."
Peffle’s decision to turn in his cleats was not easy for his players to accept. And for guys like Bracero, the loss was twice as tough.
In addition to offering guidance on the diamond, Peffle headed the school’s wrestling squad, which has claimed 11 consecutive championships, the most recent in February.
And for the first time in Bracero’s three years with the Frankford wrestling team, Peffle won’t be there to lead the way.
"We’re all going to miss him. We already do," said Bracero. "But I’m still getting ready for this season. I’m working hard, getting stronger, faster, and working on my techniques.
"I’m running a lot and training constantly," he continued. "I call up some teammates and we’ll go over to the gym and work on some techniques on the mat. We’re working hard and trying to make a state championship run."
For most 17-year-olds, baseball, wrestling and school would be an overwhelming schedule. But not for Bracero.
He’s just enjoying his time as a Pioneer.
"When it’s wrestling season, I don’t worry about baseball. I just concentrate on wrestling," said Bracero. "And once it’s completed for me, I get into baseball mode. I try to maintain my focus on one sport at a time."
So what’s next for the versatile athlete?
"I’d like to go to college, but right now I don’t know where," he said. "I still have wrestling and baseball seasons ahead. Right now I’m really looking forward to being a senior, and I want to enjoy my time at Frankford." ••
Sports editor Melissa Yerkov can be reached at 215-354-3035 or myerkov@phillynews.com