By Jeremy McDonald
Jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com
EUGENE, Ore.– James Collier has always been a student of the game of baseball and it’s set himself up right going into his Senior season
An University of Portland-commit, Collier used last Summer with the Post 58 Crushers American Legion team to set himself up with a strong junior season that saw him earn First-Team All Mid-Willamette Conference honors as an infielder. All the while, leading Silverton to a 5A State Quarterfinals, falling to eventual State Champions in Central with Collier as the ‘Ace’ on the Foxes pitching staff this past Spring.
“it really showed up in the Spring. I just got to keep the head up and keep playing ball. That’s the name of the game, keep it going,” said Collier.
Summer
Getting one-percent better has been Collier’s mindset on the diamond. Pitching, hitting, fielding, etc. his focus has been on that elusive pursuit of perfection that every ballplayer strives for everytime that they play. This Summer, playing with the Lydo’s Lab Scout Team, his pursuit of that perfection continues entering his senior season.
Through his calm demeanor, is that fire-and-passion that has keep him driven for that perfection. Sometimes it gets in his way, but it’s a work in progress to harness that emotional side of the game.
“It’s always growing and sometimes it gets in the way for sure,” laughs Collier. “Just breathe and keep the affirmation, talking to myself in the on-deck circle or at-bat.”
On Saturday at the Hamlin Sports Complex, Collier collected a hit, drove in a run and struck out two pitching in Lydo’s doubleheader. The squad tied 5-5 in both of their games as the Summer baseball season is fully underway for Collier and Lydo’s Lab.
“The biggest thing is to keep developing in all aspects of the game. Baseball is tough, it has a lot of ups-and-downs and I think constantly working and getting one-percent better every day will help that,” said Collier.
Photos By Jeremy McDonald
