Rutherford High School is proud to welcome one of its own back home as Jason Franzese takes the helm of the Rams baseball program as the school’s new head coach.

A Rutherford graduate and former three-year varsity starter for the Rams, Franzese returns to lead the program that helped shape his own baseball career. Following his time at Rutherford, he continued playing at Gulf Coast State College during the 1999-2000 seasons.

Franzese brings more than a decade of high school coaching experience to his new role, including previous experience in the Rams dugout. He served as an assistant coach at Rutherford from 2011 to 2014 before joining Arnold High School from 2015 to 2018. Most recently, he spent eight seasons as an assistant coach at Deane Bozeman School, where he helped build one of the area’s most successful baseball programs.

Throughout his coaching career, Franzese has been part of seven district championship teams, including six at Deane Bozeman and one at Rutherford. During his time at Bozeman, the Bucks advanced to six regional finals, made three Final Four appearances and twice finished as FHSAA State Runner-Up.

His impact extends beyond wins and championships. Franzese has helped develop 45 student-athletes who went on to sign to play baseball at the collegiate level, including eight who were selected in the Major League Baseball Draft.

“We are thrilled to welcome Coach Franzese back home to Rutherford,” said Principal Jonathan McQuagge. “Jason understands what it means to wear the Rams uniform because he has lived it. His passion for Rutherford, combined with his experience and proven success, make him an outstanding choice to lead our program.”

For Franzese, the opportunity represents a full-circle moment: returning to the field where his own high school baseball journey began, this time with the opportunity to help develop the next generation of Rams.

Rutherford High School looks forward to an exciting new chapter for Rams baseball under Coach Franzese’s leadership.