Quickly becoming a staple in the Frontier League, Stewart Ijames’ contract has been purchased by the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Washington Wild Things announced Friday.
The news came during batting practice as the team was readying to take on the River City Rascals and Ijames, who was not in the lineup, signed autographs for fans as a final farewell.
The Wild Things’ slugger is coming off of his second straight All-Star appearance and was enjoying another stellar season for Washington before being called to the Diamondbacks’ organization. Ijames was batting a team-high .319 with a league-high 15 home runs while driving in 45 runs, just three off the lead in the Frontier League.
Ijames, who was a standout for Louisville and originally drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers before coming to Washington, noted that playing in the big leagues has been a longtime dream of his in a recent press release by the team, saying, “It’s definitely going to change my life. Ever since I was twelve I told everybody that I was going to be in the major leagues and now it has happened. I’m excited.”
The second-year outfielder, along with CJ Beatty, was quickly becoming the face of the Wild Things after providing excitement all season long. Ijames personally announced the news himself on his Instagram account, posting a picture of himself signing the contract. The caption read: “This day has come! I’ve taken one twisted, crazy road to this day but it is here. To everyone who has supported me along this journey, it has started. Family, friends, and fans. Thank you for everything. It is through God I play this game. To him I give all credit. Blessing me with the skills to make this dream a possibility. And doing more in my life than I deserve credit for. Again, thank you everyone!”
After writing his name in the Louisville record books, Ijames came to Washington and hit .297 during his first season. The left-handed power hitter drove in 45 RBIs while smacking 16 home runs, 29 doubles and three triples, driving in 45 runs in the process by season’s end.
Ijames will leave for Arizona’s rookie league squad today but he left his teammates with these words:
“It didn’t hit me until I was standing for the national anthem in my uniform. I can’t express what this baseball team means to me. I’m walking away from family.”
Photo Credit: Washington Wild Things
