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| FORMER PIRATES |
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Pirates
in the pros: Chuck James (2002) - Atlanta Braves Chuck James, born November 9, 1981, became the first Chattahoochee Valley baseball player in the Adam Thomas era to be drafted and the first to make it to the major leagues. Chuck was a 2000 graduate of Pebblebrook High School in Mableton, Georgia. Although Chuck was relatively unknown out of high school, primarily because he was a left handed catcher and played at a school not typically known for its baseball tradition, he signed a baseball scholarship to Chattahoochee Valley Community College. As a freshman at CVCC, Chuck was primarily an outfielder, while serving as the Pirates closer. After a solid freshman season, Chuck blossomed into one of the finest pitchers in the AJCCC as a sophomore. During the 2002 season, Chuck served as the ace of the Pirate pitching staff and posted a team leading 2.07 ERA, a team leading 60 strikeouts in 44 innings of work and led the league in strikeouts per innings pitched, with 1.37. Additionally, Chuck was more than productive at the plate, as he hit his way to a .358 batting average in 2002, while serving as the Pirates right fielder. Furthermore, Chuck broke former Pirate and current Atlanta Brave teammate, Tim Hudson’s, career ERA record, by posting a 1.67 ERA during his tenure at Chattahoochee Valley. After a stellar career at CVCC, Chuck signed a baseball scholarship to Kennesaw State University in Marietta, Georgia. However, Chuck was tabbed by every Major League Baseball scout as a top ten round draft pick. Unfortunately, Chuck was the victim of a freak swimming accident in which he broke both of his wrists during the final weekend of the 2002 season. His draft status dropped and he was selected by the Atlanta Braves in the 20th round of the 2002 MLB Amateur Draft. With his recovery unknown, Chuck made the decision to attend KSU. However, his rehabilitation was a quick success, and Atlanta scout, Al Goetz, made Chuck a subsequent offer to sign with the Braves and begin his professional baseball career in the Atlanta Braves minor league system. From the time Chuck bore a Braves uniform, he was an instant MLB prospect. His left arm carried him through rookie ball, single A, double A, triple A and into Turner Field with the Atlanta Braves, as he made his major league debut in September 28, 2005 against the Colorado Rockies. During his minor league career, Chuck was a perennial All-Star, and won numerous minor league and organizational pitcher of the year awards, including the Phil Niekro award, which is given annually to the Atlanta Braves top minor league pitcher, and was consistently touted as the Braves top pitching prospect. After a strong late season showing for the Atlanta Braves in 2005, Chuck made the Atlanta Braves opening day roster in 2006 as a member of the Braves bullpen. However, Chuck was quickly sent to AAA-Richmond to re-condition his arm to be a starter, and was recalled on June 25th, 2006 to be a permanent member of the Atlanta Braves starting rotation. Making the most of his opportunity, Chuck was nothing less than phenomenal, posting an 11-4 record with a 3.78 E.R.A. during the 2006 campaign. In his final 12 starts of the season, Chuck was 7-2, with a 3.13 E.R.A., and was arguably the best pitcher on the Braves staff at the conclusion of the 2006 season. Chuck served as Atlanta’s number three starter in 2007, finishing the year 11-10 with a 4.24 E.R.A. Chuck
resides in his hometown of Mableton, Georgia in the off season Tim Hudson (1995) - Atlanta Braves Timothy Adam Hudson, the son of Ronnie and Sue Hudson, was born July 14, 1975 in Columbus, Georgia. Tim was a 1993 graduate of Glenwood School in Phenix City, Alabama. Tim was the cornerstone of his high school baseball program as he led them to the 1993 AISA state championship. Although he was relatively unknown, primarily because of his size and the fact that he attended a small private school, Tim signed a baseball scholarship to Chattahoochee Valley Community College. As a freshman at CVCC, Tim blossomed into one of the best baseball players in the country, as he earned First-team All American honors. Tim led his team to the AJCCC Division II championship in 1994, while leading his team in batting average (.385), home runs (9), runs batted in (42), wins (10-2), strikeouts (76), and was second on the team with a 2.76 ERA. Consequently, Tim was named Most Valuable Player of the AJCCC. Tim’s momentum carried over to his sophomore year, as he was named Second-team All American in 1995. Tim led the nation, set a school record, and a then conference record in strikeouts with 117. Tim helped his own cause as a pitcher by hitting .345 with 5 home runs, and 29 runs batted in. In addition, he had a team and conference leading 1.95 ERA. After serving his two years at CVCC, Tim signed a baseball scholarship to Auburn University, where he became one of the finest baseball players in the history of the program. Tim led his team in ERA (3.25) and strikeouts (90) in 1996. However, his true breakout year was 1997 as a senior for the Tigers. Not only did he lead the team in every pitching category (15-2, 2.97 ERA, 165 strikeouts), while setting an Auburn baseball record for strikeouts per nine innings (11.89); but led Auburn in batting (.396), hit 18 home runs, and set a school record for runs batted in, with 95. Tim was rewarded by being named First-team All-SEC, SEC Player of the Year, First-team All-American, and the recipient of the prestigious Smith Award, which recognizes the best collegiate baseball player in America. The icing on Tim Hudson’s cake was being selected in sixth round of the Major League Baseball draft by the Oakland Athletics in June of 1997. After ripping through the minor leagues for two years, Tim was called up to the majors in June of 1999 where he continued his dominance of the sport. Tim finished 11-2 with a 3.23 ERA and led the Athletics with 132 strikeouts while pitching in only two-thirds of the season. Again, Tim’s excellence was rewarded by being named American League Rookie of the Year by Baseball America. Tim followed up his rookie season by being selected to the American League All-Star team and finishing second in the American League for the 2000 and 2003 Cy Young Award. Tim currently serves as a member of the Atlanta Braves pitching staff and is considered by most baseball experts as one of the top pitchers in the game. Additionally, Tim has become one of Major League Baseball’s most active philanthropist’s, for his tireless volunteer work with sick and underprivileged youth in both the cities and suburbs of Oakland and Atlanta. Tim was married to the former Kim Bruner in October of 1999 and resides in Peachtree City, Georgia in the off-season.
Paul
Vazquez(2006) - St. Louis Cardinals
Pirates
at the next level under Coach Thomas:
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