Coastal Alabama Community College centerfielder Jamarian Crain was a solid player in high school and his abilities have translated to success in his first year in college.
The 2017 Franklinton High School graduate posted a .317 batting average while reaching base at a .439 clip and he slugged .430.
Crain doubled five times and tripled three times and he scored 44 runs.
The freshman’s speed was on display throughout the year, as he stole 20 bases in 27 attempts. There was one game where Crain stole home in a tie game during the bottom of the final inning for a walk-off win.
“Jamarian is a very integral part of our offense,” Coastal Alabama Community College coach Daniel Head said. “He is kind of the engine behind our offense. When he’s going, we can do the things we like to do. We play an aggressive style of offense. We like to bunt, hit-and-run and kind of like to have action going. He’s the spark plug behind that. When you’re on defense and you have a lot of pressure you, it takes the focus off the hitter. That’s his game.
“He’s a very solid fundamental hitter. He hits to all fields, line drives, he battles, doesn’t strike out much. He’s a very competitive natured kid. He is the guy teams have to prepare for when they play us because of his ability to get on base and ability to put pressure on the defense.”
Crain said his first season went well.
“It wasn’t what I expected. It didn’t overwhelm me at the beginning. It was a little different than high school, playing more games and trying to maintain that and staying healthy over a long season,” Crain said.
Crain said he saw better pitching and catching this year than he did in high school.
“In high school, I could get a bad jump and still steal second,” Crain said. “I had to adjust my eyesight to get my pitches and I had to get better reads on the bases.”
This summer, Crain is playing for the Loudoun Riverdogs of the Cal Ripken Collegiate Baseball League.
“I’m very excited,” Crain said. “I get to see more pitching, so that way, it’ll get me ready for my sophomore season.”