Jim McNamara Remembered

Jim McNamara was the starting shortstop for Christian Brothers High School in 1946 and 1947. His slick fielding was key in helping the Gaels finish the 1946 season with a perfect 15 and 0 record, and a city championship. In 1947, as co-captain, he was selected to the “All City” team by both the Sacramento Union and Bee newspapers. 

Jim's 1946 Christian Brothers Team was 15 and 0.

Jim was signed by the New York Giants in 1950 and played 5 season of professional baseball with Anaheim, San Bernadino, Idaho Falls, and Yakima. He is considered to be one of the finest fielding shortstops to ever come out of Sacramento. Outfielders could play as deep as they wanted, knowing that Jim would track down every fly ball behind the infield.

While playing for Idaho Falls in the Western International League, Jim was voted the best defensive shortstop in the history of the league. In the days before helmets, he suffered several beanings that hastened his retirement from professional baseball.

With his brothers John and Frank, Jim played on many teams in the various bush leagues around Sacramento, winning three Winter League Championships for Julius Style Shop in the mid 1950’s.

 After his baseball career, Jim served successfully in the Sacramento County Court System for 34 years in various administrative positions, retiring in 1987. Jim then began a 25 year senior softball career that continued up to his recent illness. Jim was President of the Sacramento Bushers Baseball Association and the Christian Brothers La Salle Club for many years.

Jim, John, and Frank McNamara

In 1950, while playing for Idaho Falls, Jim was the shortstop behind former Sacramento Solon pitcher Ken Kimball’s perfect game.

On Wednesday, June 13, 2012, Jim passed away shortly after watching San Francisco Giants’ pitcher Matt Cain throw a perfect game, the first in the history of the Giants’ franchise.

Sacramento baseball has lost one of its most decorated ambassadors. A rosary service will be held for him on Monday, June 18 at St Anthony Church at 7:30. The funeral mass will be held Tuesday, June 19 at St. Anthony Church at 11:30.