McNamara Looking Forward to Challenge at Worcester Academy

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Friday, June 19, 2015

Patrick Sargent, GoLocalWorcester Contributor

Jim McNamara is quickly becoming a familiar name in the discussion of baseball in Worcester. McNamara, a graduate of Anna Maria College and former head varsity baseball coach of Burncoat High School, recently accepted the position of Head Baseball Coach at Worcester Academy.

"Luckily I’m already very familiar with Worcester Academy so the transition is off to a great start. Having graduated from WA in 2007, I was able to understand how prep school athletics function in comparison to public high schools. Everyone at both Burncoat High and Worcester Academy has been very supportive in the transition and I’m thankful for that. There are new tasks that come with the job such as recruiting and planning Florida trips, but those are things I really look forward to working on," McNamara told GoLocalWorcester.

What Are Worcester Academy's Expectations Next Season?

In May, Worcester Academy won the Central New England Prep School Championship following a season where they finished 25-6 overall and 14-2 within their league. The team had dedicated their season to former head coach Dana Forsberg and assistant coach Mark Gafur - who announced they were retiring at the end of the season.

"As far as expectations go, heading into next season our main focus will be to continue and enhance a culture that allows our student athletes to grow academically, athletically and personally. This will be developed by our team's approach on and off the field, in the classroom and in the community," said McNamara.  "Allowing our players to learn, improve and work together will serve as the back bone to our championship teams. (Former head coach) Dana Forsberg and (former assistant coach) Mark Gafur did a tremendous job over the years with the WA Baseball program and I plan to continue the great baseball tradition at the school."

"There is a talented core of players returning for the 2015-2016 season, several of which are being recruited by division one schools. Winning the Central New England Prep School Baseball League Championship will be a goal for next year but the development of high character student athletes is just as important. We expect to place our players in great academic schools where they can further their education and baseball careers," McNamara added.

The McNamaras Know Baseball

At Anna Maria, McNamara earned his Bachelor of Science in Sport Management and a Master's degree in Business Administration. He was a three-year captain of the baseball team and still holds the school's all-time wins record (20) as a pitcher. At the plate, McNamara finished second all-time in hits and RBIs. 

Following his graduation in 2011, McNamara served as Anna Maria's pitching coach for three seasons, while also being Burncoat's head coach over the same period.

Along with taking over at Worcester Academy, McNamara is also a pitching coach for the New England Ruffnecks Baseball Program and serves as an associate scout for the Chicago Cubs.

Jim is the younger brother of Dave McNamara, Head Baseball Coach at Anna Maria College, and Shaun McNamara, a professional scout for the New York Mets.

"Over the years I’ve been fortunate enough to have played for and work with many great coaches. In addition to that both of my brothers have played huge roles in my development as a baseball coach and person. Dave, who is a college head coach and Shaun who is a professional scout have given me support and guidance along the way and have really helped shape who I am. Also Kirk Fredericks, the former Lincoln Sudbury Head Coach (269-68 career record, 3 State Titles) who I coach the New England Ruffnecks team with, has been a huge influence and mentor for me over the last few years."

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