Tom Pender – Tufts University Men’s Baseball Player

Getting into Baseball: Exposure to Many Sports

Tom Pender’s journey into baseball began at a very young age, heavily influenced by his father, who played baseball up to high school. Growing up in Milton, Tom was always surrounded by sports, particularly baseball and hockey, but baseball emerged as his primary focus. His father’s enthusiasm for the sport was a significant motivating factor, introducing Tom to baseball as soon as he could hold a bat. Tom started playing town baseball in Milton and quickly transitioned to a club level around the age of eight, joining the Matt Duffy Baseball Academy. This progression was driven by the competitive environment and the commitment of his best friends, who shared his passion for baseball. Playing alongside his friends not only fostered a competitive spirit but also deepened his love for the sport. By the time he reached the U-12 level, Tom knew he wanted to pursue baseball seriously, dedicating himself to improving his skills and advancing through competitive teams.

Psychological Approach: Comfort and Quiet Confidence

Tom’s approach to mental preparation is crucial to his performance, especially in a sport as mentally demanding as baseball. He emphasizes the importance of confidence and routine to maintain his mental state. Before games, Tom listens to music to get into a good mental space, helping him stay relaxed and focused. His pre-game routine is consistent, involving the same warm-up activities with his team and personal rituals like tapping his bat on his shoulder before stepping into the batter’s box. This consistency helps Tom feel comfortable and ready to perform. He believes in the power of superstition and routine, sticking to what works for him to maintain his mental composure. When faced with slumps, Tom focuses on simplifying his approach, returning to basic hitting mechanics, and trusting his practice. He avoids overthinking and aims to stay confident, knowing that baseball is a game where success often comes from maintaining a positive and focused mindset.

Physical Routine & Preparation: Working Up from the Mechanics

Tom’s training regimen is well-structured and focuses on both strengths and weaknesses to improve his overall game. He starts his training sessions with tee work, which helps him focus on the mechanics of his swing and allows for detailed analysis through video. This initial step is crucial for slowing down and fine-tuning his swing. After tee work, Tom progresses to hitting flips, where a coach flips balls underhand to him, gradually increasing intensity. He then moves on to overhand pitching to simulate game-like conditions, and occasionally uses a pitching machine for further practice. While hitting is the primary focus of his training, Tom also incorporates fielding drills during team practices to maintain his defensive skills. His training routine is designed to build confidence and consistency, starting early in November with indoor practices to prepare for the season. Tom emphasizes the importance of routine in his training, ensuring he practices every day except Sundays, which he reserves for recovery, including activities like yoga to relax both physically and mentally.

Key Takeaways From Tom’s Interview

Tom’s journey in baseball highlights the importance of confidence, routine, and resilience. He has learned to trust his training and maintain a positive mindset, even during challenging periods like slumps or injuries. His approach to leadership emphasizes accountability and composure, drawing inspiration from his former teammates and coaches who demonstrated these qualities. Tom’s ability to balance his training with proper recovery, including getting adequate sleep and practicing yoga, showcases his holistic approach to maintaining peak performance. Despite facing setbacks like a shoulder injury that affected his recruiting prospects, Tom remains motivated by his goal of playing college baseball. He continues to trust in his recovery process and stays focused on his long-term aspirations. Tom’s story is a testament to the power of dedication, the support of family and friends, and the importance of mental toughness in achieving success in sports.