James fast tracks his softball dreams

After three National championships, Australian representative duties and his first step into a national open men’s competition, Riley James is ready for anything.

Riley James will be part of the Aussie Diamonds Tour to New Zealand for the Auckland Easter Classic 15 - 23 April, 2019.

THREE National championships, Australian representative duties and his first step into a national open men's competition; Riley James bid farewell to his incredible junior softball career last year.

The 17 year old has been a regular presence in Queensland sides since he was 14, but the skilled batsman recently proved he was ready for the leap into men's competitions.

 

His strong performance this year springboarded him past the junior and senior representative skill divide and now he is ready for what 2020 has to throw at him.

The young talent started his year strong when he helped snatch the Under-17 Arthur Allsop Shield from the undefeated New South Wales team.

Mackay Softball pitcher Riley James has been selected in the Queensland U18 state side.

James was named player of the National Softball Championship final - one of many honours hurled his way.

While most athletes only get the chance to represent their age group, James jumped between three divisions: U17, U19 and open men's.

Just two weeks after his U17 heroics, James helped the U19 Queensland team defeat their fierce rivals once again.

James gained his second selection into the Australian Junior Steelers after impressing selectors during the U18 National Championship last month.

He captained the U18 Queensland team to the grand final, where they dismantled competition favourite NSW for his third national win of the year.

He will play in the 2020 U18 Men's World Cup held in Palmerston North, New Zealand from February 22.

James also played for the Australian Diamonds in a tour of New Zealand for the Auckland Easter Classic in April.

"Everyone in sport wants to represent Australia. It's a dream for a lot of us," James said.

"That's what I work for each week so it's a great opportunity."

Mackay softballer Riley James playing for Australia at the Junior Mens Softball World Championship in Canada.

At the 2018 world championship, James was the youngest player in the Steelers squad.

With an extra two years experience he hopes to become a key player and help Australia defend their world champion title.

2019 was the last time James would represent his state in the U18s, but he proved ready for the next step when he earned his first chance in a Queensland open team.

James will join fellow Mackay product John Nash in the Queensland Patriots open men's squad for 2019/20.

"ACT and NSW have great pitchers, great players, so hopefully I take that next step in my game to match them," he said.

With few breaks to his softball schedule James said he had never wavered in his commitment.

"I get pretty sick of the training, but the tournaments are what I enjoy going away for," he said.

"I love the challenge of travelling away and playing. Queensland has a good team culture so hopefully that continues into this division."

The Mackay teenager embraced the challenges to come.

"I'm just hoping to bring some youth into the competition and learn whatever I can."

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