James Barragan CCL All-Star for Bakersfield Sound By Cherie Smith James Barragan is a sophomore playing summer ball for the Bakersfield Sound. He graduated from Stockdale High School in Bakersfield, CA in 2011. Last summer Barragan played for the Humboldt Crabs in the Far West League. For the Crabs he led the team in ERA with 0.98, pitched 18.1 innings, 31 recorded, 2 saves, and 21 strikeouts. He has the opportunity play for another team in August when the Sound’s season is done.
James Barragan pitching for the Bakersfield Sound
In spring 2014, Barragan will be in his third year at Cal State Bakersfield as a junior right-handed pitcher.. He pitched in 17 games, started 2, 0-2 record, a save, helped pitched a shutout, 38.1 innings, 32 hits, 24 runs, 20 earned runs, 18 walks, 37 strikeouts, 6 doubles, 3 triples, 3 homeruns, .232 b/avg, and a 4.70 ERA in spring 2013. Barragan is a business-marketing major.
When Barragan was asked about playing in front of a home crowd he said, “Being from Bakersfield, I get to play in front of friends and family. Playing at Cal State Bakersfield, I have gotten to know and build relationships with some of the local Bakersfield fans as well, so playing home games provides me with a very comfortable and warming environment.” The Bakersfield Sound is part of the California Collegiate League (CCL) and Barragan talked about how the Sound is a new program. He also talked about how he enjoyed paying for the Sound, especially being in a great summer league such as the CCL. “The biggest highlight of my summer was pitching against the San Luis Obispo Blues on July 3rd in front of a couple thousand fans. It was my first start of the summer and I worked a solid five innings, allowing only one run. Getting the opportunity to represent the Sound in the CCL AllStar Game on national TV was a big highlight as well,” Berragan said. Barragan pitched in 8 games, 1-1 record, a save, 19 hits, 11 runs, 11 earned runs, a homerun, 12 walks, 33 strikeouts, .200 BAA, 1.21 WHIP, and a 3.86 ERA for the Bakersfield Sound this summer. Once the Bakersfield Sound’s season is done the end of July, Barragan will fly to the Cape Cod League to play for the Hyannis Harbor Hawks for the last two weeks of their season. “I started playing tee ball through YMCA when I was five years old. My dad got me involved with as many sports as I could handle. I played soccer, basketball, and football as well, but I excelled at baseball and football and stuck with those sports through high school,” Barragan said. Barragan said, “It is by the grace of Jesus Christ, my personal Lord and savior, that I get to play this game. I play for His glory and his glory alone.”