In the 42nd round of the Major League Baseball draft on Wednesday, the Mets selected John (J.J.) Franco, the son of former Mets reliever John Franco.

"It feels pretty cool, especially growing up as a little kid and coming to the ballpark with my dad," the younger Franco told reporters via phone Wednesday afternoon.

J.J. played four years of high school baseball for Poly Prep in Brooklyn, as a shortstop and right-handed pitcher. He had committed to play for Brown University before being drafted, and admitted he wasn't sure he would be chosen.

"I was trying not to get my hopes up," J.J. said.

But after the Mets selected him, he suddenly had a decision in front of him -- and he has already made it.

"I'm gonna go forward and go on to Brown next year to continue my education," J.J. said. "It will give me some time to grow as a player."