
Frank Thomas III is at the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary, N.C., this week, looking to impress at NTDP.
Growing up with one of the best sources of baseball information – his father, Frank Thomas, also known as “the Big Hurt”.
His father, a 1987 Collegiate National Team alum, is a two-time MVP, Hall of Famer, five-time All-Star, and Batting Title winner. Playing a total of 19 seasons in the big leagues, Thomas III has plenty to learn from his father.
This week, Thomas III is here to make a name for himself and grow as a player at NTDP, looking to make the 18U National Team in the future.
Q: What does it mean to you to be here at NTDP?
A: “It's an honor to be here competing with the top players every single day. It's been great to meet a lot of the kids. A lot of kids are from all over, and I haven't met them, so it's great to make those connections.”
Q: How has your experience been after day one of games?
A: “I love it. It was fun yesterday. It was competing. Everybody was having fun; that was the best thing about it.”
Q: What are some things you are excited to showcase about your game this week?
A: “Definitely my hit tool and my fielding this week. I'm going to try to show that off a lot, so we'll see.”
Q: Growing up with your dad being an MLB MVP and Hall of Famer, how has he helped your development as a player?
A: “He's helped a lot, man. He's helped with my approach. He's helped with how I think when I'm playing. He's helped a lot. He's also, like, one of my biggest fans, so that's nice.”
Q: Do you have a favorite memory growing up with your dad, either in a clubhouse or off the field?
A: “I just enjoy going to the cages with him every day. I mean, he's my hitting coach, I hit with him all the time.”
Q: Outside of your dad, is there another big leaguer you have tried to model your game after?
A: “He's not a first baseman, but I love watching [Francisco] Lindor. I watch loving how he plays and treats the game the right way, I like how he plays.”
Q: How do you plan on standing out amongst the rest of the competition here?
A: “I'm going to try to stand out, definitely by using my IQ and being the best teammate I can be.”