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Madill’s James Valadez – Baseball Spotlight – Presented by First United Bank of Madill

A first home run is a moment every baseball player remembers, and for James Valadez, it was a milestone that solidified his love for the game. “Hitting my first home run was definitely a fun moment,” he shared. Now a senior at Madill High School, James continues to make memories on and off the field while embracing his role as a team leader.

James’s journey began when he was five years old, playing t-ball and discovering his athletic abilities. “I’m a hard worker in anything I do in life, very athletic, and I’m a Christ-driven athlete,” he said. With his parents’ encouragement and the influence of his brother, baseball became the sport that clicked.

Over the years, James has built strong relationships with his teammates, many of whom he’s played with since childhood. “We are very close, and the majority of us have played with each other since we were little,” he explained. 

As one of the seniors, James embraces his leadership responsibilities. “I would say my role is being a team leader, and I prepare for it by thinking about what we could do to be a better team,” he said. His weekly routine reflects his dedication: lifting weights five days a week, working on fundamentals, hitting live pitches or off a machine, and participating in team scrimmages.

James has his sights set on several goals for his final season, including personal growth and team success. “I want to be a better player than last year and a better teammate. A goal would be to win districts,” he shared. 

One of James’s proudest moments came during a game where his team defied expectations. “We played a team we were expected to lose to, but we fought hard the whole game,” he recalled. “It was probably one of my best games defensively, and I caught the winning catch to beat them 1-2.”

Beyond baseball, James enjoys fishing with friends and spending time with his girlfriend, Dawsen. He’s also proud of his achievements in cross country and track, where he’s one of his coach’s fastest runners.

After high school, James plans to study wildlife law enforcement while pursuing opportunities in baseball or cross country. Grateful for his faith, family, and coaches, James reflects on his journey with humility and pride, knowing the lessons learned will guide him in the future.

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