James Pugliese throws a pitch during a Mercer County Community College baseball game. (Photo courtesy of Mercer County Community College).
Hamilton native James Pugliese, who plays for the Chicago Cubs Class A affiliate, was named to South Division All-Star Team of the Northwest League.
Pugliese helped the team to an 8-7 win on Aug. 2. He was also named Northwest League Pitcher of the Week for his performance during the third week of July after posting a 1-0 record with a 0.00 ERA in two starts.
A graduate of Steinert High School, Pugliese was 6-1 as a starter for Mercer County Community College’s baseball team in 2011. He helped lead the Vikings to 21-16 record, reaching the Region 19 finals. Pugliese was selected in the 18th round of the 2011 amateur draft by the Cubs.
Pugliese is a starter for the short-season Boise Hawks, where he posted a 3-2 record and a 2.41 ERA. During the NWL All-Star game in Everett, Wash., Pugliese pitched 2/3 of an inning and struck out one player.

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