Naile joins prestigious junior college program

CHARLESTON -- The decision weighing on Charleston senior James Naile's mind can finally be lifted.

Naile committed to Parkland College in Champaign, Ill. on Tuesday making this the first step towards a possibly bigger baseball career.

"I'm glad it's out of the way," Naile about signing. "I think it's a small step, hopefully, towards my goal."

Naile's goal is a dream of one day playing for a bigger Division I college after his stint with the Parkland Cobra's commences. He feels Parkland will give him the chance to do just that.

"They send players on," he said. "I think I could get some playing time as opposed to going to a Division I school and sit the bench for a year or two.

"Every year Parkland continues to grow and get connections with bigger schools. That's kind of what made the decision for me."

Parkland has earned their status in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) as one of the top feeder schools in the country when it comes to baseball.

Currently, the Cobras are considered one of the top five baseball programs in the nation. They, recently, finished fifth in the NJCAA World Series just last season after a year removed as the NJCAA National Champions in 2009.

Parkland has been to six World Series' in the past 10 years.

"The school itself has a good thing going on right now," Naile said. "I think it's a really good time to get into their program. It's a great school and they have a great reputation. I think they are a great program for me and it fits me really well."

Parkland's head coach, Matt Kennedy, will be entering his third year with the Cobras. In his short time at the helm, Kennedy has compiled a 99-22 record.

"I think James made the right choice," Charleston baseball coach Michael Minner said. "He's liked Parkland from the get-go. Matt Kennedy is a tremendous coach, a young guy and he'll connect with the players. They've shown they can get players to the next level."

Getting to the next level is Naile's first priority. He actually turned down offers from Arkansas State and Southeast Missouri State University for this opportunity at Parkland. He believes the Cobras may give him a better chance at a bigger school and better conference.

"I feel like I can go there and get a little better," Naile said. "Hopefully, I can end up at a top-notch school in a good conference. That's my goal."

Naile has proven he has what it takes to pitch at the collegiate level. Just last year, Naile finished with a 7-3 record with an 0.89 earned run average. In 58 innings pitched, he struck out 78 batters.

With a bat in his hands, Naile hit for an average of .402 with four home runs, 23 RBI, 12 doubles and five triples.

"James has a good baseball I.Q.," Minner said. "He does the little things. His mechanics are about as good as you'll find in a high school kid and he does things above average for his age.

"He knows how to pitch and he has a very, very intellectual baseball mind."