The Region's Team Of Northwest Indiana

Whiting, Ind. – May 23, 2016 – The Northwest Indiana Oilmen have announced the addition of pitcher James Whiteman to the roster for the 2016 season.

Whiteman just finished his freshman year at Triton College, where he participated in a considerable turnaround from 2015 to 2016. Triton finished the 2015 season at 14-26, then boosted its record to 38-20 this year.

Whiteman received immediate playing time, logging 30 innings as a freshman. Triton had aspirations of reaching the JUCO World Series, but its season ended with a loss to Ohio Western.

When his junior college eligibility is complete, Whiteman hopes to leave the Midwest and play somewhere warm. He has his eyes on Costal Carolina and the University of South Florida.

Whiteman, a 6-foot-2 righty, is a native of Lakeville, Ind. and attended South Bend Saint Joseph High School. The highlight of his baseball career came when he threw a no-hitter against Culver in a sectional semifinal while pitching for the South Bend St. Joseph Indians.

“It’s a great experience,” he said. “It doesn’t feel real. When your catcher is running up there to hug you and everyone else is jumping on you, it’s an amazing feeling.”

This summer, Whiteman hopes to work on sharpening his off-speed pitches and improving his curveball. He’s also seeking to create an uptick in his velocity and dedicate himself to the weight room to improve his strength.

Whiteman, a Chicago White Sox fan, enjoys playing catch and hanging out with family in his spare time.

“That’s my life right now, baseball,” he said.

He is pursuing criminal justice and wants to be a forest reserve officer.

“I like the outdoors,” he said. “I love animals. I love being outside and taking care of the earth.”