James Needy cuts an imposing posture when he stands at the top of the pitcher’s mound.
Not only because he is 6-foot-5, 205 pounds and can deliver a fastball 90-plus miles per hour. There is something special about this Santana High School senior that has major league scouts aiming their radar guns in his direction on a weekly basis.
Guys with hands his size might not make for the best brain surgeons. Yet, Needy’s primary hobby is working with jewelry for which he has received rave notice from his classmates.
James Needy, Santana
Photo By Steven Silva
“I’ve had a lot of requests for making senior prom rings and stuff,” Needy said. “I love designing stuff like that.”
The eyesight required is something like painting corners. It’s all about infinite detail.
That pinpoint attitude has carried over to the baseball diamond for Needy, who has accepted a baseball scholarship to the University of San Diego.
“Everything’s come together for me this year,” Needy said. “Our team has done a lot better at hitting the ball and scoring runs. I don’t feel like I have to strike everybody out like in my earlier years.”
That fact alone has allowed Needy to alter his pitching philosophy.
“My objective this year is to make the opponents hit my pitch,” Needy said. “I believe in my defense and I know if I get a groundball they’ll make the play.”
Santana, 18-7 and ranked No. 9 in the San Diego Section, holds a 2 ½ game lead in the Grossmont North League with four games to play.
No question, Needy’s numbers are eye-catching. He’s won six of nine decisions plus one save. He’s authored a 0.95 ERA and struck out 69 in 66 innings.
Santana’ s veteran coach Jerry Henson has seen Needy progress greatly between his junior and senior years. So have the major league scouts.
At least one scout, who is employed by the World Champion Philadelphia Phillies, believes that Needy is the top high school prospect in the CIF San Diego Section.
The consensus of scouts agree that Needy will probably be selected within the top three rounds in June’s free agent draft. He is well aware that the scouts are following his progress.
“I don’t know how many of them out there are looking at me,” Needy said. “I remember one time when I was warming up in the bullpen at Valhalla there were more guys than I could count. I try not to pay attention, but you can’t help but notice them. The main thing is not to focus on them.”
Depending on what scout you talk to, Needy throws in the 90 mph range. He has topped out at 93 mph according to most scouts, and that in itself attracts immediate attention.
“James is probably going to see his last at-bat in high school because his future is on the mound,” Henson said. “I honestly believe he will go to USD and get that degree.”
Needy holds his own at the plate but he’s not going to set any records. He’s batting at a .300 clip (21-for-70) with five doubles and 15 RBI.
“I have a blast when I’m batting but my focus is on pitching,” Needy admitted.
A three-sport letterman who was the quarterback in football and a power forward in basketball – in addition to being a double threat in baseball – Needy’s immediate future comes down to “signability.” What that means is, will the pro teams be willing to offer up a large enough signing bonus to convince Needy to put his college days on hold?
“Honestly, this is a really serious issue,” Needy said. “I don’t sit around thinking about the draft. I hear a lot of things but I ignore the rumors. When I actually see and hear where I’ve been drafted, then I’ll start the discussion process.”
James Needy at a GlanceBASICSFull Name: James Patrick Michael Needy
School: Santana High School
Size: 6-5, 205
Position: Pitcher-1B
College: University of San Diego (2010)
Birthdate: March 30, 1991
Birthplace: San Diego
Nickname: Hero
FAVORITESAthlete: LeBron James
Pro Team: Florida Marlins
Musical Group: Eminem
Actor: Will Smith
Actress: Megan Fox
Sports movie: The Sandlot
TV Show: That 70s Show
Book: October Men
Food: Lasagna
Pregame snack: Full Throttle energy drink, Snickers bar, cheese
DREAMS Job: Play baseball for a living
Car: Shelby Mustang GT 500
Person to meet: Jackie Robinson
