RED OAK
An arm injury once left James Trotter uncertain of his baseball future. A pen, paper and his faith made it quite clear — Trotter will further his playing career and education at West Texas A&M University.
The third baseman and outfielder officially signed his National Letter of Intent with the Buffs baseball team Wednesday, Nov. 15 in front of friends and family in the Red Oak High School Fine Arts Center.
Trotter tore the labrum in his throwing shoulder just before his sophomore year, which limited him to only 15 games.
After signing his NLI, he admitted, with a big grin and a nod, it required "a lot of rehab" to return that season.
“A lot of rehab," he added. "It was hard, and at one point I thought I wasn’t going to be able to play baseball again. I prayed about it and prayed about it, and my dream came true to play college baseball.”
Trotter didn't just return to be mediocre, either. As a junior in 2017, he led the Hawks with 26 runs scored, seven doubles and 15 base-on-balls. He and Alec Lorea were also the only two Hawks to appear in all 30 games.
"He is probably one of the most athletic, hardworking and politest athletes I have ever had," said Red Oak head baseball coach Jay Johnson during the NLI ceremony. "He comes to work every day, does what he is supposed to do and is low-maintenance. I know he is going to do what he is supposed to do. I am proud of him and glad that he gets the opportunity to play at the next level."
Over his last two varsity seasons, Trotter carries a .250 batting average and .387 on-base percentage with 28 hits, 33 runs scored and 19 walks in 45 games. He also boasts a .735 OPS and .857 fielding percentage over that span.
Trotter joins an early signing class for WTAMU that consists of three freshmen and three junior college ball players, a university press release notes.
Those signees include Amarillo High's Mason Mays (P/OF), and Caleb Flores (P/INF), Brennen Geraghty of Trinidad State College, Jacob Harris of Hesston College, Cooper Harris of Northern Oklahoma College-Enid, and Trotter.
"Coach Hall and Coach Neale have been on the road nonstop this fall to target these guys," stated WTAMU head baseball coach Matt Vanderburg in the announcement. "This class is comprised of three high school guys who we feel are immediate impact players for our club next year, along with three JUCO guys who already have been proven in college. These six players really touch all of our early needs for next year. They are all very good student-athletes and fit into the system we have in place. They are all proven winners and want to compete for championships while graduating from West Texas A&M."
Though Trotter said he will miss his Red Oak teammates and coaches, especially those who helped him through his sophomore season, he is excited to join the Buffs out west.
“There are great people out there, and it is a great baseball community," Trotter admitted. "The coaches are amazing, and I’ve been out there a few times this summer, and the players are amazing, too. I just love the atmosphere.”