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From the Jaws of Defeat: Naile's miraculous KBO comeback crowns Kia Tigers
After a wicked twist of fate threatened to end his season, James Naile emerged from the shadows of uncertainty to lead the Kia Tigers to an unforgettable victory in the 2024 KBO Korean Series.
The Charleston native faced a career-defining moment when a line drive struck him in the face during a game against the NC Dinos on Aug. 24, 2024. The injury, which required immediate surgery, was a daunting setback for Naile, who had been a standout performer in the KBO with a league-leading 12 wins and a 2.53 ERA.
“Getting hit by the line drive was one of the scariest things I've ever been through,” Naile said. “As a pitcher, it is your worst nightmare, and there's really no way to ever expect it or prepare for it. When the ball hit me I knew something was wrong. I knew immediately that this was a significant blow to the face. I didn't know the extent but I knew my jaw was broken pretty badly. Luckily, the medical staff took such great care of me and I was able to have surgery a few hours later and begin the recovery process.”
Despite the severity of his injury, Naile's resolve saw him back on the mound for Game 1 of the KBO Korean Series on Oct. 23, less than two months after the injury. In his return, Naile pitched five innings, allowing just one earned run on four hits with six strikeouts, setting the tone for the Tigers' 5-1 victory.
Naile's contributions were pivotal in Game 4 as well, where he pitched 5.2 innings, allowing two earned runs on six hits with seven strikeouts, helping the Tigers secure a 9-2 win and a 3-1 series advantage on Oct. 26.
“Stepping back on the mound was also a challenge, although one I welcomed,” Naile said. “There was definitely the fear of ‘what if it happens again,’ but honestly, I just did my absolute best to block that out. I've played baseball for many years and it's a risk I've always taken. It's part of the sport. So, I wasn't going to let fear stop me from doing what I love. Quickly, I got back into my rhythm and found joy in being back out there.”
Naile's journey to the championship was not just about physical recovery; it was about embracing the unknown and stepping out of his comfort zone. His decision to join the KBO was a bold move, one that has now paid off in the most spectacular fashion.
"Winning the championship quickly went to the top of my list probably,” Naile said. “Other than making my major league debut with St. Louis, this surely highlights my career. Taking the risk and moving across the world for a new opportunity was scary. I went totally out of my comfort zone to do what I thought was best career-wise. So going over and winning a championship with such a special group of guys is something I will always cherish."
With his stock soaring after a dominant season, Naile's future is full of possibilities. A return to Major League Baseball could be on the horizon, or he may choose to remain in Korea and continue his success with the Kia Tigers.
“As of right now I am uncertain of my plans,” he concluded. “The one thing I believe is I put myself in a very good position for next season. I think it's up in the air what that looks like but hopefully, in the next couple of weeks we will know more. I loved my time in Korea. I would happily go back, so we will see what that looks like soon.”
As a senior at Charleston High School in 2011, he led the Bluejays to a fourth-place finish in Class 2, marking the school's only appearance in the final four. His talent was evident early on when he pitched the Bluejays to a 1-0 win over the highly favored Valle Catholic Warriors in the state quarterfinals.
“What a great representative of Charleston,” said Blue Jays baseball coach Michael Minner. “I’m proud to have had a small part in his life. It’s really neat to know he grew up here playing at Hillhouse, walking the halls at the high school, and just being a part of this community. We’re all so proud of him. He’s been fun to follow. I can’t wait to see what his future holds.
“I’d be crazy to tell you I don’t want him in the MLB,” Minner continued. “I’d love to be able to watch him at a different time than 4 a.m. But I genuinely just want him to land in a place where they’ll be good to him. He’s one that people want to be around. So if it’s back to Korea, maybe Japan, or back in the States — it doesn’t matter to me. I want him to get the opportunity he deserves and I want him to be happy. He’s earned that.”
Despite offers from Arkansas State University and Southeast Missouri State University, Naile chose to attend Parkland College, a junior college, before transferring to the University of Alabama at Birmingham. His professional career began when he was drafted in the 20th round in 2015 by the Oakland A's. Naile spent six seasons in their organization, earning accolades such as a Pacific Coast League all-star.
“I’m not shocked at all he’s accomplished,” Minner said. “He just needed a chance. James is a winner. He prepares for success every day. He carries himself in a manner that represents his team and himself in such a positive light. He’s a great teammate and just a great human. Good things happen to people who work that hard.”
In November 2021, Naile signed a free-agent contract with the Cardinals organization and was promoted to the major leagues for the first time on June 27, 2022. His performance in 2023 earned him the Cardinal Nation’s Top Relief Pitcher award across the St. Louis Cardinals’ entire system.
The Cardinals sold Naile’s contract to the Kia Tigers on Jan. 19, 2024.
“[Naile] is so resilient and such a competitor,” Minner concluded. “It was awesome seeing him come back and help his team win. You just had a feeling that he was going to have a great comeback story. He’s so deserving of all the success. He works so hard and through his injury he just stayed persistent and things fell into place.”