THSB Cover Boy: CJ Sampson, Sr, RHP/IF, Tomball

 admin  |    Dec 27th, 2025

---

C.J. Sampson is a 6’3″ 215 Senior RHP/IF for the 15-6A Tomball Cougars. He has signed with Texas A&M University.

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL

As a junior, Sampson was 12-2 with 90 K in 87.2 IP, a 0.95 ERA and a 0.821 WHIP. At the plate, he hit .324 with 6 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 23 RBI, 21 Runs, 29 BB, 4 SB, a .479 OBP and a .444 SLG. He was named a 1st Team Pitcher on the 15-6A All-District Team. He was selected to the THSBCA 6A All-State Team as a 1st Team Pitcher and to the TSWA 6A All-State Team as a 2nd Team Pitcher.

In his sophomore season, Sampson was 14-0 with 115 K in 93.2 IP, a 0.74 ERA and a 0.619 WHIP. At the plate, he hit .374 with 13 2B, 3 HR, 35 RBI, 14 Runs, 26 BB, 5 SB, a .496 OBP and a .579 SLG. He was named to the 15-6A All-District Team as a 1st Team Pitcher. He was selected to the THSBCA 6A All-State Team as a 2nd Team Pitcher and to the TSWA 6A All-State Team as a 1st Team Pitcher.

As a freshman, he was 6-1 with 62 K in 57.2 IP, a 1.69 ERA and a 0.867 WHIP. At the plate, he hit .289 with 8 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 17 RBI, 15 Runs, 19 BB, 3 SB, a .426 OBP and a .456 SLG, He was named the 15-6A Newcomer or the Year.

OTHER BASEBALL RECOGNITION
2025 – USA Baseball U18 National Team
2025 – Ranger Area Code Upperclass Team
2024 – Ranger Area Code Underclass Team
2024 – Team Texas

INTERVIEW

Talk about winning the State Championship in 2024.

Going into that year, it was expected of us. We knew we had a lot of talented guys and we had an older group, 17 seniors on that team. We felt like we would make it to the State Tournament and win the whole thing. We did and we went 41-3 that year. And for me, it was the biggest stage I had been on. It was great to be able to play in that environment and to play with those guys.

What was it like last season being the defending state champions and having the target on your back?

We knew that coming off the state championship we would get everyone’s best and everyone’s intensity and competitiveness. I think everyone played their best when they played us. But we made it back to the state championship game. Unfortunately we lost to a very nice Kingwood team. We gave it out best and were fully prepared to play that game. We just came up short.

What are some key things you need to replace for this year’s team?

Obviously, pitching is a huge deal for every high school team. You need to have a good amount of pitching. We lost a key pitcher but we lost some position players as well. We have a lot of young guys coming up. I think they are very good, very talented. And I think they’ve been waiting for this moment and I believe they will be prepared. We are working hard this fall getting prepared for the spring season. We know what’s coming up and we have a lot of spots to fill but I think we will be prepared.

What do you like about this year’s team?

I really like the young guys. They played summer ball with good programs. I know they can step up in the big moments and I know there will be a lot of big moments in our season. And now that I’m a senior I hope to teach the younger guys how to bounce back. Sometimes you get punched in the face and you just have to punch back. I want to help us learn to keep our heads up and compete to the best of our ability, Especially in the playoffs.

What would you like to accomplish your senior year?

Another state championship. That’s the only thing on my mind. That’s been my goal since 7th Grade – to win as many state championships as possible. And if we can make it back to the state championship game this year, that would be back to back to back. I think that would be special. Especially to win and get the gold again.

Talk about your USA Baseball experience?

It was one of the coolest moments of my life. I’ve been trying out for the USA baseball team since I was 11. I got cut from the 12U team, the 15U team and the 18U team the first time. But I was finally able to make it last summer. It was truly special. To go to Japan and actually win the gold medal. And I had a great tournament. I got a lot of hits, a lot of doubles. To be able to impact the team like that on that stage was one of the best moments of my life.

Didn’t you have a good pitching outing as well?

Yes sir. No runs. I think I was one hit away from a perfect game. We ended up run-ruling them so we didn’t go the full seven. But I almost had a perfect game.

PERSONAL

Parents: Chris and Heather Sampson
Age: 18
Siblings: 2 younger brothers
Current Favorite Group/Singer: George Strait
Favorite Restaurant: Lindo Acapulco
Go to Fast Food: Chipotle
Last Movie I Saw: Land of the Bad
If you could travel to any place, where would you go: Alaska
What do you like to do outside baseball: Hunt, fish, golf
Favorite MLB Player: Bryce Harper
Biggest Win Last Spring Season: Game 2 vs Willis in Round 2 of playoffs
Summer Baseball Highlight: Winning a gold medal for Team USA