Fairfax — John James carries the credentials of a state championship-winning head coach, leading the West Springfield baseball team to the 2010 title during his seven seasons with the Spartans.

Now the head coach at Robinson, James has the opportunity to lead a new group of players to success. While the coach’s past achievements --- including Northern Region titles in 2009 and 2010 --- are worthy of respect, James would prefer the Rams follow his direction based on what he’s able to help them accomplish.

"I’ve got to give them something that will give them an advantage on the field, and if you do that, then they’ll buy in," James said. "My main focus is to push them and make them better and not rely on anything I’ve done in the past."

"I’ve got to give them something that will give them an advantage on the field, and if you do that, then they’ll buy in. My main focus is to push them and make them better and not rely on anything I’ve done in the past."

— Robinson baseball coach John James

James spent seven seasons at Robinson as an assistant before taking the head coaching job at West Springfield. He returns to the Fairfax secondary school and takes over for former head coach Jeff Ferrell, who is Robinson’s director of student activities. James, an assistant director of student activities at Robinson, said he doesn’t have any expectations for the 2012 campaign, but "the ultimate goal is to compete for championships in May and June." The Rams finished fourth in the Concorde District in 2011 and reached the regional quarterfinals.

"We’ve got a lot of potential this year and I think Coach James really knows what he’s doing," senior outfielder Michael Kann said, "so I’m looking forward to the season, for sure."

Kann, senior Denis Mikush and juniors Herminio Azor and Tyler Tracey will see time in the outfield. Senior Dan Cochrane will play first base for the Rams, junior Chase Bailey will play second base, senior Matt Spaulding is the shortstop, sophomore Adam Sisk plays third base and senior Kyle Hatterick is the team’s catcher. Bailey, Mikush and senior Patrick Baker are Robinson’s top three pitchers.

Robinson scrimmaged Langley and South Lakes before opening its season against Fairfax on March 14. The Rams will host West Springfield at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, March 16.

"I’d say that spirits are high," Mikush said. "We have motivation. Last year we kind of got off to a rough start. These two scrimmages have shown the capability we have to become great and stay great."