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CHONE JAMES

According  to the numbers — and more importantly, the impact he’s made  in just  the first two weeks of the season — Chone James is making a  very real  case as the top catcher in the sophomore class right now.

And it’s not hype… it’s production.

Every  trip to the plate, he’s a hard out. The type of hitter pitchers  don’t  get comfortable with. His bat has been steady, controlled, and   explosive when needed — consistently finding barrels and putting   pressure on defenses. He’s the kind of athlete who just finds ways to   get on base, and it feels like he’s logging a hit every other at-bat.

Simply put — he’s locked in early.

But what’s standing out just as much as the offense is what he’s doing behind the plate.

Chone  is protecting his pitchers at a high level — managing the game,   receiving clean, and controlling tempo. His quickness and transfer have   already shown up in big moments too. Just last night, he shut down the   running game and threw a runner out — the type of momentum play that   shifts innings and energizes dugouts.

It’s the full catcher package showing up in real time.

Honestly, the energy around him right now feels familiar.

It’s  the same feeling we had last year watching Vahn Lackey — that   presence, that confidence, that “impact every inning” type of player.   And now, that same spark is showing up again… this time through Chone   James.

Which makes what’s ahead even more exciting.

With  Coach Brian O’Connor leading the squad into a big weekend  against  top-ranked opponents, all eyes will be on how this group  competes on  the national stage — and how Chone continues to anchor  things both  offensively and defensively.

If the first two weeks are any indication…

This is just the beginning

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 Markus Kirksey is a standout first baseman and outfielder for USC Union, where he wears jersey #44. Known for his significant physical presence and power hitting

• Position: 1B/OF
• Physicality: 6'4" to 6'5" and approximately 225–240 lbs
• Bats/Throws: Left/Right
• Hometown: Toronto, ON, Canada

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