You probably remember the 2012 College World Series if you're a Wildcats fan. It was that magical, humid summer in Omaha where everything just clicked. Among the heroes of that fourth national title run, one name always sticks out to the die-hards: James Farris.
He wasn't the flashy first-round pick or the guy with the 100-mph heater. No, James Farris was the workhorse. The guy who basically willed his way from a bench-warmer as a freshman to the mound for the biggest game of his life.
But if you’ve been looking up James Farris Arizona baseball recently, you might have noticed the mood around his name has changed. It's not just about stats anymore. It’s about a legacy that was cut tragically short.
The Ace Nobody Saw Coming
Highland High School in Gilbert, Arizona, wasn't exactly a pro scout's primary destination when Farris was there. Honestly, he was barely recruited. He had two real options: go to a junior college or walk onto the University of Arizona. He chose the latter.
His freshman year in 2011? Pretty forgettable. He pitched exactly one inning. One. He gave up four runs. If you were looking at his stat line then, you wouldn't have bet a dime on him becoming a weekend starter, let alone a legend.
Then 2012 happened.
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Andy Lopez, the legendary coach, saw something in the 6-foot-2 righty. Farris moved into the Sunday starter role and just... dominated. He threw a complete-game shutout against North Dakota State in his first-ever start. That wasn’t a fluke. He became the "knockout punch" in a rotation that already featured Kurt Heyer and Konner Wade.
That Game 2 in Omaha
The peak of James Farris Arizona baseball—and maybe the peak of Arizona sports in that decade—was Game 2 of the College World Series finals against South Carolina.
Think about the pressure. South Carolina was the two-time defending champion. They were the giants. Arizona was one win away from the trophy. Farris hadn’t pitched in 22 days. Most guys would be rusty, maybe a little shaky.
Farris went out and threw 7.2 innings of pure grit. He allowed just one run on two hits. He was an animal on that mound. When he handed the ball to Mathew Troupe in the 8th, the job was basically done. Arizona won 4-1. They were national champions.
Why He Stayed (and the Pro Grind)
A lot of people get confused about his draft history. In 2013, the Houston Astros took him in the 15th round. Most juniors in his position—after winning a ring and pitching like an ace—would have taken the money and run.
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Farris didn't.
He had this weird, old-school loyalty to UA. He wanted to be the "Friday Night Guy." He wanted to lead his team back to Omaha. He returned for his senior year in 2014, eventually getting drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 9th round.
His minor league career was actually pretty solid. He transitioned into a relief role and climbed all the way to Triple-A Albuquerque (Rockies organization). He racked up 220 strikeouts in about 184 innings. The guy could pitch. But by 2017, the grind of the minors and the reality of the business led him to hang up the cleats.
A Tragic Final Chapter
This is the part that’s hard to write. In August 2025, the Arizona baseball community got the news no one wanted to hear. James Farris passed away at the age of 33 after a battle with stage 4 liver cancer.
It felt impossible. This was a "weight room warrior," a guy who was known for being in peak physical condition. Coach Lopez stayed in touch with him until the very end, sharing scriptures and memories of that 2012 run.
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He leaves behind a wife, Madeline, and a young son, Gatlin. After baseball, he had moved back to Jonesboro and was working in the HVAC business, planning to start his own company. He was a guy who just loved being outside—hunting, fishing, and being a dad.
What We Learn From James Farris
When you look at the James Farris Arizona baseball story, it’s not just about the ERA or the draft rounds. It's about a kid from Gilbert who wasn't supposed to be there.
- Persistence over pedigree: He went from a 36.00 ERA as a freshman to a National Champion as a sophomore.
- Loyalty matters: He turned down pro money to play one more year in Tucson because he loved the program.
- Perspective: His life after baseball showed that while the ring is forever, being a good man, husband, and father is the real "Ace" move.
If you’re a young pitcher reading this, don’t worry if the scouts aren’t calling yet. James Farris wasn't on the radar either. He just kept showing up until he was holding a trophy in Omaha.
For those wanting to support his legacy, the Arizona baseball community often shares links to the family's GoFundMe or memorial funds. Keeping his story alive by remembering that 2012 "animal" on the mound is the best way to honor a Wildcat legend.
The next time you're at Hi Corbett Field, take a look at that 2012 banner. James Farris is a huge reason it’s hanging there.