above: Kelley Franco recording “Three Inning Fan”.
A New Canaan native now living in Rowayton, Kelley Franco jokes that she’s finally achieved dual-citizenship status. Growing up in New Canaan as the youngest of 11, “if you were born between 1950 and 1970 and went to St. Aloysius or New Canaan High, chances are you had a Franco in your class,” says Franco. Living in New Canaan, sports were a big part of the family’s lives. They would frequent all kinds of high school games, but baseball was always Kelley’s favorite. So, while also owning and operating her own law practice with brother Michael, Kelley has found a way to channel her lifelong passion for the game into a growing baseball media business called “Three Inning Fan.”
I understand that you’ve had a passion for all things baseball since you were young, what first sparked your interest?
My brother Rick bought me these complete sets of baseball cards when I was ten. In the 1980s when the doorbell rang and there was someone standing there with a package for you, it was exciting. It wasn’t like today when we get deliveries all the time. I still have every one of those cards. My family definitely played a big part in fueling my love of baseball. I used to read the sports section every day and cut out articles that interested me. My mother thought maybe I’d grow up to be a sportswriter and always encouraged my interest.
Can you explain Three Inning Fan and how it has evolved over the years?
I created Baseball 101 as a precursor to Three Inning Fan. It was a class that I designed to teach novice fans the basics of game in under an hour. I covered rules, the structure of Major League Baseball, the ways that teams advance in the playoffs, and at the end, I included ten pieces of baseball history that I felt every fan needed to know. I taught it locally as a continuing-ed class and it started to get some press, which led me to being invited to teach at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. I ended up on CNN Financial Network for a few gigs as part of a daytime show.
A few years ago, I formed Three Inning Fan, which is my baseball media business. I started it as a way to keep fans informed and entertained using a variety of content. Between my podcast, live lectures and social media (@threeinningfan on Instagram and X) I’m able to reach a large audience and post a lot during the season. I have built a community with thousands of followers, a mix of fans and some huge names in baseball. My followers include Mike Piazza, David Cone, Howie Rose, the Mets Booth, Chris Russo, Jack Curry of the YES Network, Clint Hurdle, Larry Bowa and Wade Boggs, to name a few.
To be honest, when I first started out, I didn’t really know if anyone would be interested in what I had to say—but they were, and the more people were seeking my opinion, the more assertive I became. The name “Three Inning Fan” was inspired by my belief that you don’t need to watch all nine innings to call yourself a baseball fan. There’s nothing wrong with just watching a few innings. Anyone can enjoy a game, even without knowing all the players’ names and stats.
As a lifelong baseball fan, Franco spends a lot of time on the field for business and pleasure. Followers of her podcast include some big names in baseball—like New Canaan’s own Chris Russo (of “Mike and the Mad Dog” fame) and New York Mets radio announcer Howie Rose (above right), seen here with Franco in the booth.
What’s your favorite part about what you do?
I would say it’s my Three Inning Fan Podcasts (which can be found on YouTube, Spotify and Apple). I record weekly or biweekly and, while I always cover both New York teams, I also go outside the bubble a little and cover other MLB goings-on as well. I try to keep all shows to 20 minutes because the attorney in me values brevity. My goal with both the podcast and my presence on social media is to disrupt how baseball is covered. Part of me wondered at first if a 50-something-year-old woman could actually do that, but I wouldn’t have known unless I tried. A lot of baseball media is consumed by stats and the notion that if you don’t know the numbers, you don’t know the game. I don’t dispute the importance of data in constructing a team, but as a fan, I prefer the stories of the game and the action on the field. I search for the thrill in the game that the statistics don’t deliver.
Can you tell us more about your speaking engagements?
I’ve lectured everywhere from The Baseball Hall of Fame to the Cornell Club of New York to corporate venues and public and private fundraisers. I’ve spoken at the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion with Ron Darling. Last year when the Mets and Phillies played in London, I gave a lecture to the British Baseball Federation, which is like their MLB. We had a strong showing and it was fantastic to share our National pastime with the Brits. I have spoken at the Greenwich Retired Men’s Association, the Y’s Men of Westport/Weston, New Canaan Men’s Club, Darien Men’s Club, and I was invited to speak to the physicians at Greenwich Hospital last year.
How does your career as an attorney and Three Inning Fan complement one another?
There’s always a lot going on with MLB from a legal perspective, and my background in law has been extremely helpful. From dissecting things like Shohei Ohtani’s contract, which had massive deferrals of income, to analyzing contentious issues between the Players’ Unions and owners, or owners versus owners—there’s so much to uncover. Understanding contract issues, how options work and how teams decide whether to insure players are all areas of interest. I have found that there are a large number of fans who love having this info distilled and presented to them in a clear and concise manner.
What are you most excited about during the 2025 baseball season?
Both New York teams look really good and I’m excited about that! I grew up a Yankees fan but married a Mets fan, so when they play each other, things can sometimes get a little dicey. The Yankees have been ravaged by injuries and I’m wondering if the younger guys will be able to step up and fill the bill. For the Mets, the big question is how long it will take Juan Soto to play to his contract. Once he gets his footing, he will excel in the limelight.
Any predictions on who will win it all this year?
MLB instituted an expanded postseason structure in 2022 with six teams making the playoffs, almost making it more of a tournament-type structure, so trying to pick a winner is really a fool’s errand. You’re best off buckling up and enjoying.
When Kelley Franco isn’t working at her law firm or educating people on baseball, she can be found running the streets of Rowayton or swimming at the crack of dawn at the Darien Y. Franco, her husband Thomas Throop, and their series of dogs have resided in Rowayton since 1996 and love their beachside community. You can follow Franco on X or Instagram @threeinningfan, Facebook at Three Inning Fan LLC, or online at ThreeInningFan.com.