OCC’s Joey James Wins Slugger’s Award

Orange Coast College freshman Joey James won the Big Stick Award given to the the most powerful hitter in the state.

The award combines home runs, batting average, slugging percentage and runs batted in.

James set state records with 19 home runs and 80 RBIs. He set OCC records by hitting .443, slugging .917 and getting 168 total bases.

This season James was voted the South Coast Conference Player of the Year and co-Southern California Player of the Year with Frank Halcovich of state champion College of the Canyons.

James, from Newport Harbor High School, was first team all-state with teammate Dave Staton, who hit .403.

Last season Rancho Santiago’s Ruben Gonzalez won the award.