James Ensign '22 Recruiting Profile

My name is James Ensign, and I’m a junior at Barrington High School in Barrington, Illinois.  My club team is Top Tier Baseball.

I am an athlete.  When I was three, I picked up a whiffle bat and started hitting balls off the tee in my backyard.  My parents and their friends were surprised by how far the balls went, and baseball has been my passion ever since.  As a young player, I had a strong arm and was good at judging fly balls, so my coaches put me in the outfield. I am fast, physically agile and enjoy making diving catches and throwing runners out.

I’m patient at the plate, have a good read for pitches, and am confident in the leadoff spot.   My focus when batting is to stay relaxed, attack the inside half of the ball and help my team. Once I get on base, I am an agressive baserunner. 

I come from a family of athletes.  My dad was an All-American soccer player in college.  My older brother is pitching in college, and my younger brother also plays travel baseball.  I’ve learned a lot about being coachable and a good teammate from them.

I am a cancer survivor. I was diagnosed with leukemia at age 2.  After 3 ½ years of chemotherapy, I have been cancer free for 11 years.  I’ve learned how to persevere and that experience has shaped me into who I am today.  I’m always eager for opportunities to give back. After I had my wish granted by Make-A-Wish, I’ve been able to share my story as one of their wish ambassadors.

I work hard in the classroom and take my school work seriously.  I am also committed to year round training that includes a strength and conditioning program, as well as working with my hitting coach.  No matter what the situation, I’m dedicated to giving it my all.

I’m looking forward to the next “season” in life. My goal is to continue to play baseball in college.

Thank you for looking at my profile.