Bradshaw signs with Crowley's Ridge College

James Bradshaw (center) signed to play baseball with Crowley's Ridge College Tuesday. Bradshaw was joined by his grandparents Sandra and Clyde Watkins of Rector and CRC coach Paul McFadden (standing). [Click to enlarge]

James Bradshaw of Rector is taking his love of baseball to college with him, having signed with Crowley's Ridge College at the school's library in Paragould Tuesday.

Bradshaw is coming off a 2009 Cougar baseball season wherein he hit for an impressive .405 average and was an All-Conference selection. The southpaw also brought stability behind the plate when he joined the Cougars as a junior, providing a solid backstop after moving to Rector.

Looking back, Rector fans may have been tipped off to Bradshaw's potential early on, as the eager young man hit a homerun in one of his earliest games as a Cougar.

Bradshaw caught the eye of CRC coaches with his impressive play, earning an invitation to work out for head coach Paul McFadden last month.

"I'm excited to have James because he gives is a left-handed bat in the lineup," McFadden said.

Another positive about bringing in Bradshaw is his ties to the local community. As McFadden and his team work to establish a strong fan base, the inclusion of local talent can only help fill seats. Bradshaw joins teammate Logan Buck and Marmaduke's Ray Taylor as local signees.

For his part, Bradshaw says he anticipates playing college baseball.

"I can't wait. I want to go out there and show them what I can do. I'm going to give it all I've got. I'm really happy to be going to the next level."

Bradshaw's excitement is shared by his former coach.

"I'm very pleased that James has this opportunity," Rector coach Nate Henderson said. "He's worked hard and he's earned this. CRC is getting a good player and a fine young man. You're always happy to see one of your players succeed. He's meant a lot to this program and I wish him all the best in the future."

Joining Bradshaw at the signing were his grandparents Clyde and Sandra Watkins.

"I want to thank my family, coach Henderson and my teammates," Bradshaw said. "I wouldn't have made it this far without them."

CRC is part of the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA). Next season will mark the first time the school has faced a schedule made up wholly of other four-year schools.