Panama/Ricardo James Jr., the son of legendary Panamanian goaltender Ricardo Emir James Rayo, is set to make his own way in another sport: baseball.
While his father left an indelible mark as a goalkeeper for the Panamanian national team and international clubs, young James chose to shine on the diamond as a left-handed pitcher. In 2025, he will represent the Bocas del Toro team in the National Youth Baseball Championship, the Copa Caja de Ahorros, dedicated to MartÃn Crespo.
James Jr., known for his precise change of speed, attracted the attention of recruiters, establishing himself as one of Panama’s top youth baseball prospects.
Under the leadership of Cuban coach Jorge Gallardo, his team will make their debut on January 10 at the famous Calvin Byron Stadium, known as the “Turtle Boiler”, against Herrera. This tournament represents an opportunity for the young Bocas pitcher to showcase his talent in front of an enthusiastic audience.
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Ricardo Emir James Rayo, born on May 7, 1966 in Changuinola, province of Bocas del Toro, is a national football legend. His career began in 1991 with Guabito FC and continued with Platense FC in Honduras, where he played for 12 years and won five league titles. He was the starting goalkeeper for the Panamanian national team during the 1998 World Cup qualifiers in France and the 2002 World Cup Korea-Japan, and also represented the country in Panama’s historic first appearance at the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 1993.
Ricardo James’ legacy in Panamanian sports is undeniable, and now his son is looking to carve his own path in baseball. While the father left a legacy under the three poles, the son promises to stand on the mound, proudly bearing the name Bocas del Toro.
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Bocas del Toro’s home opener is just the beginning of a tournament that will push Ricardo James Jr. as an emerging figure in national baseball, showing that talent and passion for the sport are important elements of the James line.