College Sports Information Directors of America

James Clear – Denison University, Baseball

Academic All-America Hall of Fame Class of 2024

From 2005-2008, James Clear was one of the top pitchers at Denison University. He began his career as the closer his freshman year before becoming a starting pitcher for the next three years. Clear ranks third in appearances (52), fifth in career wins (15), fourth in innings pitched (200.1) and eighth in strikeouts (138) in program history. As a starting pitcher, Clear was a two-time team captain and All-North Coast Athletic Conference selection.

Off the diamond, Clear graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor's degree in biomechanics in 2008. He was selected to the 2008 Academic All-America second team and was a two-time Academic All-District selection. Clear was one of seven recipients of the Denison President's Medal, which is the highest award given to a graduating senior at Denison University.

After graduating in 2008, Clear went on to become a New York Times best-selling author of the book "Atomic Habits", which has sold more than 20 million copies and is published in 60+ languages worldwide. He has continued his focus on habits, decision making and behavior changes by working as a keynote speaker at Fortune 500 companies and other major companies like American Express and IKEA. Clear publishes the popular 3-2-1 weekly newsletter to over 3 million readers each week across the globe through his website jamesclear.com with three short ideas from himself, two quotes from others and one question for readers to ponder.

His contributions to studying behavior changes have also been used by a number of coaches in the NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL.

Clear's community service includes donating 5% of after-tax profit to charitable causes. His primary charity partner is the Against Malaria Foundation (AMF). This organization distributes protective nets throughout Africa and East Asia for the children, pregnant mothers and families from mosquitoes carrying malaria. To this day, Clear has provided nets to more than 250,000 people worldwide.

James Clear on his induction into the Academic All-America Hall of Fame: "It is an honor and a surprise to be selected for the Academic All-America Hall of Fame. This award belongs to our team more than me. Once a pitcher releases the ball, the outcome of the play depends on his teammates. I was fortunate to have wonderful teammates to rely on. They have been there for me not only on the baseball field, but also in life. I am honored to be selected and I hope to represent the award well for years to come."

Adam S. Weinberg, Denison University President: "James represents everything that is great about collegiate athletics. He was a passionate and committed athlete at Denison, remarkable student and the kind of friend and campus leader who shaped the lives of his teammates. As an alumnus, James has lived the mission of the college. He has used what he learned as a student athlete to build a successful career in ways that are making the world a better place. I often quote James to our students, alumni and even to my old children. I love college athletics because it produces people like James Clear. I am proud and grateful he is a Denison alumnus."

Mike Deegan, Denison University Head Baseball Coach: "James had an outstanding collegiate baseball career. His impact as an entrepreneur has been immense. What impresses me most about James is his pursuit of excellence in every aspect of his life. He lives what he teaches. He's equally as impressive as a husband, father and friend."
 

Nan Carney-DeBord, Denison University Associate Vice President and Director of Athletics: "James is the quintessential alumni student-athlete. His academic and athletic prowess while at Denison speaks for itself. His life after Denison demonstrates the astute leadership, mentorship, and character that we hope all Denisonians gain through the platform of sport while at Denison. In his book, Atomic Habits, he discusses his study of and practice of routine or behavior that is performed regularly or 'habit forming'.  As a result, he became a stellar student and baseball student-athlete and is a mentor and role model to the current student-athletes at Denison University today. The entire department of Athletics celebrates James Clear and extends appreciation for his continued inspiration and commitment to excellence."

Louise McCleary, Vice President of NCAA Division III: "Having half of this year's CSC Academic All-America class be former Division III student-athletes is a testament to the division's focus on providing a well-rounded student-athlete experience. James Clear from Denison and Steve Harter from Mount Union represent the very best of Division III, and we congratulate them on this national recognition."