Name: Derek Thompson
School: Tumwater High School
City and State: Olympia, WA
Graduation Year and GPA: 2025, 4.0
Position(s): OF, RHP
Throw: Right
Hit: Right
What are some areas of your game that you have been focusing on lately to improve upon?
My approach to hitting. I’ve been working on my pitch selection and recognizing the spin of the pitch early so I can jump on my pitch when it’s there. I’m also working on trying to get my 60 yard dash time under 7 seconds.
What are some goals you hope to reach in the next year or couple of years?
To continue to improve all aspects of my game. Trying to become a more consistent hitter and gain more command of my pitches. My ultimate goal is to receive a scholarship to play baseball at a 4 year university while continuing my education.
How long have you been playing baseball and what got you started in the game?
I started playing at 5 years old. My family would go to spring training in Arizona which really got me interested in playing. I started playing competitive baseball when I was 9 and it’s just grown from there.
What are some of your favorite things about the game of baseball?
One of my favorite things about baseball is the difficulty and the grind that it takes to be successful. I enjoy the feeling of accomplishing my goals and then raising them. I also enjoy the competition and the battle that it brings. I love to play against people that are better than me.
Who in your life has helped push you to be your best on the field?
My parents. My dad is always pushing me to put in work and offers to help with whatever he can. My mom helps me with the mental side of the game. I also wouldn’t be where I am without the my travel ball and high school coaches.
If there is anything else about baseball you want to include or write about include it.
In the end, I just want to play competitive baseball for as long as I can, and to be the best player that I can be.