What’s Next – Shenendehowa’s James Redick

CLIFTON PARK, NY ( NEWS10 ) — Each week this summer we’re featuring one of the Capital Region’s best student-athletes who just graduated high school on our segment “What’s Next?” We dive into what lies ahead, while looking back on their storied careers. Up this week? Shenendehowa graduate James Redick.

“James is a great leader,” said Shen head baseball coach Greg Christodulu. “He’s one of the best kids we’ve had come through the Shen program and I’ve said this, his numbers match up with the very best pitchers we’ve had there in the last 20 years.”

The Shenendehowa baseball team has reigned supreme in Section 2 the last two seasons, winning the section title in Class AA in 2023 and in Class AAA this year. “It meant the world to me,” said Redick. “It was awesome. It’s such a great group of guys and I learned so much coming through Shen program. Those years will stick with me forever.”

Starting pitcher James Redick played a huge part in the success of the Plainsmen. “He was a captain this past season,” said Christodulu. “He had great leadership along with our other seniors. He was with us as a sophomore, so he was a three year varsity player. He pitched in all the big games. He wanted the baseball. His teammates wanted him to have the baseball. We trusted him with the baseball and he gave us quality innings each and every time.”

Redick is heading to Fordham in the fall to pitch for the Rams. “Fordham just seemed like a perfect fit,” said Redick. “I know academically they’re a great school. They’re away from home, but not too far. They’ve got a great baseball program with awesome coaches.

Redick will live out his dream of playing collegiate baseball. “My brother is in Cooperstown right now,” said Redick. “Growing up, playing there and playing in Clifton Park, it’s always been a dream. I’m just so happy I get to keep playing the game I love.”

He believes Shen’s culture, set by head coach Greg Christodoulou, has prepared him for the college level. “All the practices are kind of a college level intensity,” said Redick. “All the drills, the little stuff you do is definitely going to help prepare me for the college level.”

Also preparing James for his college career? His time with the Amsterdam Mohawks this summer, playing under head coach Keith Griffin and his former head coach, Christodulu, an assistant with the Mohawks. “It’s been an unbelievable experience,” said Redick. It made me realize how much I love the game, because you’re not here every day if you don’t love the game. It’s been a grind, but it’s also been a ton of fun and I’ve learned so much just preparing me for the college baseball level.”

Redick boasts an ERA of 3.06 in nine appearances against big time college hitters in the PGCBL. “James has been able to make the transition for high school ball to summer college baseball pretty seamless,” said Christodulu. “It’s because knowing James, his personality, he’s just full of learning and advancing his knowledge, increasing his skill set.”

“He’s been great,” added Griffin. “I mean, he really has. He’s handled it very smoothly. I met his dad one time. His dad’s a big guy, and when he fills out and matures a lot, he’ll really be good. He’d be a guy I’d love to have back to play next year.”

Redick’s future is bright, but his past with the Plainsmen is something he’ll never forget. “That’s meant the world to me,” said Redick. “We’ve had an awesome time with such a great group of dudes, and I couldn’t ask for a better high school career and a better group to grow up with and learn the game around.”

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