Allstate Westfield Athlete of the Week: James Statler

WESTFIELD, NJ — This senior pitcher for the Westfield High School boy’s baseball team, recognized for his strong work ethic that boosts the team’s performance, is prized as the Blue Devils prepare for a strong finish to the current season. James Statler is this week’s Andy Heinz and The Westfield Legacy Agency’s Allstate Westfield Athlete of the Week.Statler first explored the sport before beginning grade school. “I’ve been playing since I was 4. It has been a really long journey,” he reflected. “Especially after moving here in the fourth grade. The whole demographic of baseball changed completely from Kentucky baseball to New Jersey baseball.”“But over the last few years, I have definitely started investing my time and energy into my career and future in baseball,” Statler said.A commitment to achieving the desired outcome fuels the senior’s play.“I hate losing, so I go out to not only win, but to not lose,” Statler explained. “When we lost in the state final last year it hurt, obviously, but being second place was the worst because it only means you are the best loser and I hate losing. So every time, no matter the outcome, I try to put my best foot forward and win.”Jay Cook, head coach for the Westfield High School varsity boys baseball team, expressed gratitude for Statler’s contributions, noting that the senior pitcher recently “threw 13.1 innings against Old Bridge and Millburn, allowing a total of 5 runs over the two-game span. He struck out 10 batters during that time and went 1-1.”During the current season, Statler said, “I’m really excited to win counties and hopefully repeat sectionals and win states. But most importantly, have fun with the team, since this is the last time we will all be together playing.”Reflecting on what he prizes most about the sport, he noted, “The thing I enjoy most about baseball is the commitment and competitiveness that it brings out of me. It truly shows who I am to others and who I need to be to myself.”The senior looks forward to keeping the sport in his post-high school plans.“I’m going to Raritan Valley Community College. I am planning on getting an Associate of Science degree in Interior Architecture and Design, and also getting EMT-certified,” Statler said. “I am playing baseball there for two years, and hopefully will be able to transfer out to a higher-level baseball school.”When he’s not in school or planning for his collegiate experience, the sport is never far from mind for the senior.“I work D-BAT camps and do private lessons, so really I’m always around baseball,” he said. “I also love advocating about mental health and especially the stigma around men’s mental health, to try and allow them and myself to have a platform to speak about it to others.”