Chad James, a senior pitcher at Yukon High School (Okla.) says that his favorite school subject is psychology because it teaches “how different people are raised and how that changes their lifestyle.”
James is going to get a big dose of psychology and lifestyle change this week when a Major League franchise signs him to a generous contract. The fireballing lefthander is one of the top pitching prospects in the country and he’s not expected to last much past the first round of Tuesday’s Major League Baseball draft.
“All kids dream about being drafted and I am very lucky to be one of the kids who will be drafted,” said James, whose fastball has been clocked in the mid 90s this year.
The Oklahoma City Player of the Year, James went 8-2 on the season with a 1.28 ERA. He also struck out 100 batters in 63.1 innings pitched. Although he has signed to play at Oklahoma State next year, the Oklahoman reports that James will likely sign with a pro club and immediately play at the minor league level.
James, who is ranked No. 54 in the MaxPreps Baseball 100, has excelled at the high school level since his freshman year when he joined the varsity team at Yukon. In his first start on the mound, James threw a no-hitter against rival Shawnee. James earned all-city honors as a junior and was honorable mention all-state.
Over the summer, James traveled extensively with the Midwest Wolverines and also participated in the Team USA trials.
“I got to travel all over the nation and play some really good teams,” James said. “I also went to the Team USA trials and got to see what it’s like to play with the best of the best. It was a great experience.”
At the Area Code Games in Long Beach, James played for the Chicago White Sox team and struck out Jake Marisnick and Matt Hobgood during his two innings on the mound. Like James, both Marisnick and Hobgood are expected to be first round picks this week.
As a junior, James had a 9-1 record with a 1.36 ERA and 91 strikeouts in 67 innings pitched. James says that qualifying for the Area Code Games as a junior gave the scouts their first look at his abilities.
“I made the team my junior year and I had a lot of exposure. Things have been going really well ever since,” he said. “In the beginning the scouts make you a little nervous, but sooner or later you get use to it. It gets your adrenaline pumping and it makes you feel good.”
James’ brother Justin has been a big part of his success. Justin James plays at the University of Missouri and is now in the Cincinnati Reds organization after being drafted in the fifth round by Toronto in the 2003 draft.
“My brother has been the one to push me and make me mentally tougher,” the younger James said. “He plays in the minor leagues and he tells me everything I need to know to make it to the top.”
James notes that his competitiveness has allowed him to become a successful pitcher.
“I work as hard as I can to be better than the person who is better than me,” James said. “I never give up and I hate to lose.”
