Q&A: 16U/17U National Team Development Program (NTDP) Player Frank Thomas III

Frank Thomas III is currently participating in the USA Baseball National Training Complex (NTDP) in Cary, N.C., aiming to impress and develop as a player with the goal of making the 18U National Team in the future.

Thomas III benefits from a significant baseball resource: his father, Hall of Famer Frank Thomas ("the Big Hurt"). His father, a 1987 Collegiate National Team alum, is a two-time MVP, five-time All-Star, Batting Title winner who played 19 MLB seasons, providing Thomas III with extensive knowledge to learn from.

In an interview, Thomas III expressed that being at NTDP is an "honor," allowing him to compete daily with top players from across the country and make valuable connections. He described his experience after the first day of games as fun and competitive, emphasizing that everyone was enjoying themselves.

This week, Thomas III is particularly focused on showcasing his hitting ("hit tool") and his fielding abilities. He credits his father as being instrumental in his development, helping significantly with his approach to the game and his mindset while playing, and also being one of his biggest fans. A favorite memory is simply going to the batting cages with his dad daily, who serves as his hitting coach.

Outside of his father, Thomas III admires Francisco Lindor, appreciating how Lindor plays the game and "treats the game the right way," despite Lindor not being a first baseman like himself or his father.