James West (minors01)

James Roosevelt West

• Bats Both, Throws Right
• Height 6' 4", Weight 200 lb.
• High School Vashon High School
• Born September 12, 1952 in St. Louis, MO USA

BR Minors page

Biographical Information

James West was taken as the last pick of the first round of the 1970 amateur draft by the Baltimore Orioles, right after shortstop George Ambrow and right before Dan Spillner. Perhaps his best year was his first - with the Bluefield Orioles in 1970, West hit .292/.370/.444 with four home runs and 20 RBI in 50 games, primarily at catcher. The next year, he played for the Aberdeen Pheasants (.231/.379/.385 in 45 G) and Miami Orioles (3 for 25, BB, 2B, 4 R, 4 RBI). In only 19 games there, he led Northern League catchers with 14 errors. He was in the Montreal Expos system for the next two years. In 1972, he produced at a .238/.357/.390 clip for the Jamestown Falcons, playing mostly third base. His main position in 1973 was outfield with the West Palm Beach Expos; he was only 5 for 50 with a triple, though he walked 13 times. Overall, he had hit .231/.349/.366 with 12 home runs and 64 RBI in 168 career games.