James Steels

James Earl Steels

• Bats Left, Throws Left
• Height 5' 10", Weight 185 lb.
• High School Santa Maria High School
• Debut April 6, 1987
• Final Game May 19, 1989
• Born May 30, 1961 in Jackson, MS USA

BR page

Biographical Information

James Steels appeared in 111 games in the majors, and was in the minor leagues and in Mexico for a long time.

In 1991, Steels became the first 30-30 man in Mexican League history. Playing for the Mexico City Red Devils, he hit .374 (4th in the league), scored a league-best 131 runs in 120 games, homered 35 times (3rd in the league, 2 behind the top spot), slugged .665, drove in 121 (second to teammate Larry See) and stole 30 bases in 33 tries. He had a 20-20 season the next year (.315, 37 2B, 22 HR, 31 SB) and did well in 1993, hitting .334 with 29 home runs, 100 RBI and 18 steals. He faded a bit in 1994, to .291 with 3 HR and 1 SB in 68 games in his last season in the Mexican League. Overall he hit .336 in 5 years in Mexico (he had played briefly in 1990) and slugged .561.

He played in the minors from 1980-1990, with parts of six seasons in the Pacific Coast League, parts of four in the Texas League, parts of three in the American Association and one in the California League. He appeared in three major league seasons with three different teams: the San Diego Padres in 1987, the Texas Rangers in 1988 and the San Francisco Giants in 1989. His highest batting average was .191, in 62 games in his first season, and he never hit a homer in the majors.

His son Jake Steels was selected in the 2024 amateur draft.

Notable Achievements

• 1984 Player of the Year Texas League Beaumont Golden Gators