When James Bradwell was released earlier this season by the Trois-Rivieres Aigles of the Frontier League, he wasn’t sure if that might be the end of his baseball career.

The 24-year-old pitcher has a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of British Columbia and figured it might be time to give up the game and get on with his life.

Enter Welland Jackfish general manager Jason McKay, who had scouted the B.C. native a few years earlier and quickly put in a call to Bradwell.

“I was pretty down on myself and didn’t know what was next but they were very supportive and knew I would be able to help their team,” Bradwell said. “I made the leap and I don’t know if I’ve been happier playing this game. The group of guys and coaches are very supportive. It’s really sparking another love for the game of baseball.”

Bradwell was working in relief at Trois-Rivieres but the Jackfish saw huge potential in him as a starter. 

“We wanted to make him a starter and make him more marketable for some teams,” Jackfish manager Brian Essery said. “The opportunities for him to get back up are as a starter, as a guy who came throw 94-95 with a good mix of pitches that he has. We started him off slow and now he’s right there. He’s as good as anybody in this league right now.”

Bradwell was eager to give starting a shot.

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