During his fantastic freshman year as a member of the Anna Maria College baseball team, James McNamara (Worcester, Mass.) set a school record for the most doubles hit in a single season. McNamara smacked 13 doubles during the 2008 season, surpassing the previous record of 10 held by Andy Mathieu (’04) and Steve Maloney (’02).
Along with his 13 doubles, McNamara also led the AMCATS in hits with 39 and in triples with two. In addition, he finished second on the team in batting average (.322), slugging percentage (.463), total bases (56), and runs batted in (20). As if that wasn’t enough, McNamara also excelled on the mound, leading the team with five wins, four complete games, 50 1/3 innings pitched, and 30 strikeouts. His total of nine games started were the most in school history, while his five wins rank second to only Tom Heindl (Worcester, Mass.) who won six times back in 2001.
Along with being selected as the The Commonwealth Coast Conference “Player of the Week” and “Rookie of the Week” during the season, McNamara was also named AMC baseball’s “Team MVP”. "Jim's freshman year was outstanding,” says Head Coach Dave McNamara, who is also James’ older brother. “He was a major factor in the team's turnaround, leading the team as a pitcher and a hitter!"
James combined with fellow freshman and team “Triple Crown” winner Jeff Lander (Gloucester, Mass.) to lead the AMCATS to their most successful season in eight years. Considering that the team included 14 freshmen, the future looks bright for AMC baseball. "Our goals are set high for 2009 and we expect to perform at our highest-level yet this spring,” says Coach McNamara. “Our team will be bringing back a core of starters and welcoming another great class coming in." It’s shaping up to be a very entertaining season of AMCAT baseball in 2009.