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Dion James

 Dion James

If you grew up around Land Park in the mid to late 70’s, it was impossible not to be familiar with Dion James. Legions of neighborhood kids would ride their bikes around town looking to see where Dion was playing that day. Under the great youth coach Al Simas, in the Fruitridge Babe Ruth League, Dion was already attracting scouts. Coach Simas said: “He’s only 16-years old, but the pros would sign him right now if they could.”

 Dion attended McClatchy High School and from the moment Coach Bernie Church saw him play, he knew that he had a special player. Comparisons were made to Rowland Office, a former McClatchy standout, who spent 11 seasons in the big leagues. Coach Church remembers that Dion possessed everything that a scout looks for: speed, arm strength, and the ability to hit for power. Dion’s senior year at McClatchy was spectacular. He hit .397, leading the Lions to a Metro title and a deep playoff run. Dion not only made the All-Metro team in Sacramento, he was also selected to the Cal-Hi Sports All-State squad as well. Just an hour into the MLB Draft, Tom Gamble of the Milwaukee Brewers called Dion to say that they had selected him in the first round, the overall 25th pick.

Dion did not need long to reach the majors. In 1983, he was in Vancouver tearing through the Pacific Coast League with a .336 average and 68 RBI’s when the big club called. Dion made his Major League debut on September 16, 1983. He was 20 years old. In his first full season with the Brewers, Dion smashed 114 hits on his way to hitting .295. When he made his first road trip to Oakland, Dion was surprised to see one of those Land Park kids that used to follow him around on their bikes. Trey Bonetti, a few years behind Dion at McClatchy, had secured a field pass from the college radio station where he worked. Trey made his way down to the batting cage and tapped Dion on the shoulder. “What are you doing down here?” Dion asked. Trey responded that he just wanted to say hello to his friend.

Dion hurt his shoulder diving for a ball in Milwaukee but would find health and a fresh start in Atlanta. In 1987, Dion socked 154 hits for the Braves on his way to a glittering .312 average, the 4th highest in the National League. He played 11 seasons in the majors, rounding-out his career in pinstripes and reaching his first postseason in 1994 with the Yankees.

Dion played in 917 games, with 781 hits, 32 home runs, and .288 lifetime batting average. Reflecting on Dion’s career as a player and a man, Coach Church said: “Dion was one of the finest players I have ever coached, and he always took care of his family. Dion is one of my winners.” 

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