Francis is versatile – able to play shortstop, second base, the outfield, catcher, and pitcher.  His exit velocity averages in the low 90s (mph), and he has been timed at 6.96 seconds in the 60-yard dash.  His throws from the outfield average in the high 80s (mph).

The average velocities on his pitches are low to mid-80s (4-seam fastball and 2-seam fastball), mid to high-70s (change-up), low to high-70s (curve) and mid-60s to mid-70s (knuckle curve).

Francis describes himself as one who “will play whatever position is deemed most beneficial for the team. I believe in giving maximum effort each day and bringing a positive and winning attitude to the dugout. I will take extra reps before and after practice. I love training with my teammates and growing together to become better players and men.”

He says he’s very comfortable at any infield position, especially second base. As a pitcher, he was used mainly as a closer with occasional spot starts. “I excel when the game is on the line and in high-stress situations by remaining calm and trusting my team to make the plays.”

Francis adds, “I have used my knowledge as a biology major and my passion for fitness to create an elite training program to get me ready. I have taken my conditioning to the next level – including running, sprinting, hiking, rucking (walking with extra weight), and swimming. I will do anything to get the work in and get the job done.”

Career Highlights

• Batted .455, .349 and .514 during his three high-school seasons with corresponding slugging percentages of .636, .511 and 1.027

• In senior high-school season, set school records in all major offensive categories.

  • Led the state of Pennsylvania in extra-base hits, ranked 2nd in the state in RBI, 3rd in slugging percentage, 13th in home runs and 21st in batting average

  • Also was a relief pitcher, posting a 1.94 earned-run average with 25 strikeouts in 21 innings

• Batted .370 his final collegiate season with an .895 OPS

• In 2019, batted .292 with a .751 OPS in a collegiate summer league

Overseas goals

“I aspire to continue playing while also traveling the world. I would like to spread the knowledge that I have about baseball with people from all over the world while establishing connections that will last a lifetime.  Ideally, I would also like to use an overseas experience to help me get into a pro league in the U.S.”

Awards/Articles:

• Francis Faiello – Allegheny Gators Bio
• Francis Faiello – Omaha Filthballers Bio
• Baseball Splits at Allegheny
• Baseball Opens Spring Break Trip in Arizona
• Filthballers Defeat Royal Bluedogs in Championship of the Corn Belt League Tournament

Testimonial from Former Saarlouis Hornets Head Coach and International Scout, Mick Acosta

My name is Mick Acosta and I am an assistant coach for the Saarlouis Hornets of the 2nd German Bundesliga South. I met Francis during his 2022 summer stint with the Hornets and I have been impressed by his quick integration into the daily baseball operations of the club ranging from youth couch to excelling as a leader and cornerstone of the first team which is competing for the 2nd Bundesliga Southwest title. 

Some of his auxiliary responsibilities include being the head coach and director of player development for the youth teams of the club, primarily 12u. Francis always has good practice plans in place for his players and has also taken it upon himself to assist local coaches in learning how to properly manage and develop players to raise the talent level among youth teams within our state. My son has personally benefitted from lessons with Coach Faiello and his improvement is evident and his love for the game has grown thanks to Francis’s positive attitude and ability to break the game down and make it fun for younger players. 

Additionally, Francis has gone above and beyond what his contract asked of him and he also volunteers to coach the club’s second team and occasionally the ladies’ softball team. Both of these teams were in desperate need of assistance and Francis dipped into his personal free time to stick around the fields as much as possible to help the club. He also goes out on recruiting drives in Saarlouis and neighboring towns trying to recruit players for the club and introduce them to baseball.

In addition to all the aforementioned jobs, Francis is also one of the premier players in our league and serves as a great role model for our first team. He is currently batting .500 with 15 XBH and an OBP of .615 through 18 games of a 28-game season. He is the definition of a Swiss army knife as he can play any position on the field well. He primarily plays SS, 3B, and C, but can also excel as a 2b or OF. His work ethic is unparalleled as he stays in great shape by going to the gym regularly and can be seen at the field both before and after practice to perfect his skills. As a coach, he is the type of player you want on your team as his enthusiasm for the game rubs off on teammates and makes them want to improve as well.

I have been a player and coach in Germany for the better part of seven seasons and Francis is by far one of the better import players we have brought on board both professionally and personally. He is the epitome of a team player and the kind of guy you want on your roster. He is a hidden gem and will certainly be an asset to any club both on and off the field.

Mick Acosta

Testimonial from Beziers Pirates Head Coach

Francis came to play for the Béziers pirates in the French second division. Upon his arrival he was pleasant, with good interpersonal skills, without being too expressive. He showed a lot of respect for the functioning of the club and the team. He is a respected player by his teammates for his attitude and his baseball level . He was mainly used as an outfielder, with excellent ball read, good runs, high quality dives and home plate relays. He also showed qualities on second base and was able to help the team in shortstop. Offensively, he is powerful and disciplined with an excellent knowledge of his strike zone. He produced important runs on several occasions until the last in the final, the day we won the title of champions of France. 

Francis works hard to achieve his goals: bodybuilding, running, stretching and a healthy lifestyle are part of his daily life.

His arm could allow him to become a good pitcher too if he gained some control.

Francis is also a very good coach with young people, he has a positive and motivating attitude, he participated in the training sessions and courses organized for our young people and was very voluntary.

I recommend Francis as a valuable asset to any team as a player and coach.