This week, some notable last names have walked into the National Training Complex: Thome and Schumaker.

Landon Thome is the son of five-time All-Star and MLB Hall of Famer Jim Thome. Brody Schumaker is the son of former MLB player, USA Baseball alum, and 2023 National League Manager of the Year, Skip Schumaker.

Brody and Landon are here at 18U National Team Training Camp, looking to become the next generation of talent, getting ready to start their own journeys to the big leagues. Both players are looking to make a name for themselves, with having a father around the big leagues certainly helping their development.

Enrolled at Santa Margarita Catholic High School, Brody has committed to play college baseball at Texas Christian University (TCU).

Until then, Brody is ready to give it all he’s got to get through Training Camp and on the 18U National Team roster.

“It’s been awesome,” said Brody. “This is probably the best experience I’ve had in a while, just coming out here against the best of the best and competing for a spot, it’s fun.”

Playing the infield with versatility being a key factor in his ability, Brody can handle multiple positions on the field; playing wherever he is asked.

“Being able to play everywhere, wherever the coach needs or my team needs me. It's a big part in my game,” stated Brody.”

Along with that versatility, Brody had a different claim for his favorite part of his game: “My favorite part of my game is my speed. I like impacting the game on the bases by getting the extra base or just stealing bases.”

With his father being around Major League Baseball as a player and manager, there were some perks to having that knowledge around growing up. Whether it was taking him to hit or field ground balls, his father was there to provide him with all he knew about the game whenever Brody asked for it.

“Being with me through every step of my career, whenever I want to hit, he hits with me, ground balls, everything. It helped me prepare to be the best version of myself.”

Brody’s father, Skip, won National League Manager of the Year in 2023 as manager of the Miami Marlins, leading the team to a berth in the Wild Card round. For Brody, being around that environment was priceless. Seeing the way that big leaguers handle their work and go about their business was a great experience for Brody to witness.

“Being in the clubhouse with him a couple of years ago when he was with the Marlins and when I was younger, just being able to be in the clubhouse with MLB players is cool,” said Brody. “Seeing the way Luis Arráez worked in the cage and how he goes about his business was fun to watch.”

Now with goals set for himself and paving his own path, Brody continues to work on his game and looks to make the 18U National Team roster.

“It would mean the world to wear the USA across my chest, representing your country, fighting for a gold medal. That would be the best experience of my life,” emphasized Brody.

Now, let's hear about the son with a Hall of Fame upbringing: Landon Thome.

Currently going to school at Nazareth Academy High School, Landon is committed to continuing his baseball journey at the University of Tennessee under College World Series champion Coach Tony Vitello.

Before the collegiate journey starts, Landon is in Cary with some familiar friends looking to work their way through training camp.

“It’s been awesome. It’s my favorite event that I’ve been to so far. Being able to play baseball all day with all my boys … I know so many of the guys here, so it’s awesome to compete with them and face the best players in the country,” said Landon.

In Landon’s mind, he doesn’t specifically have a favorite part of his game – he just wants to make an impact.

“Just trying to be an all-around player, my dad and I talk just trying to impact the game in so many different ways,” explained Landon. “Whether it’s on the bases, in the box, or on the field, I just try to keep my game as widespread as possible.”

Landon plays both positions in the middle infield and takes great pride in being versatile, along with extensive work in the off-season on new positions.

“I take pride in it. I try to train in the off-season at so many different positions to show that I can play them and be an athlete,” claimed Thome. “Part of my game is just trying to be an athlete and being versatile with my play.”

Not looking too far into the future and trying to stay focused on right now, Landon wants to take the process at his speed.

“I don’t try to look ahead too much. I try to take one step at a time, just focusing on the next couple of steps ahead and trying to play my game the best I can.”

Having a father who’s been enshrined in baseball history as a Hall of Fame player is not something every player can say.

And Landon knows that.

“It’s awesome. Having him as a dad is awesome. He gives me tips that no other dads really can give, so I’m blessed, and it's great to have him.”

Outside of his father, Landon finds himself watching two-time USA Baseball alum Bobby Witt Jr, molding his game after him because of his versatility as a player.

“I love Bobby Witt Jr. because of his versatility and how he plays the game in so many different ways; he can impact the game every way on the field,” said Landon. “Whether it’s his speed, his defense, or his hitting.”

The goal this summer for Landon is to earn a spot on the 18U National Team, which, in his mind, is something he’s always wanted to do.

“It would mean everything. That’s, like, my dream,” said Landon. “That’s the goal for this summer. To represent your country is an honor, so that would be awesome.”

For both of these young stars, making it through Training Camp would be an honor, representing the country on the biggest stage, all while carving their own legacies amongst their baseball blood.