Thomas McGrath '23 Recruiting Profile
Video
MIF Training 
Batting Cage Hitting
May 2022Personal Statement
It has been a dream of mine to play college baseball and attend a school which values both academics and athletics.
I am a member of the New Zealand national U18 WBSC team, that played in the Oceania Qualifier tournament in December 2022. Marty Grant (NZ U18 WBSC National Coach) says I am "athletic, articulate, has a high ceiling of potential" and he "sees me in a leadership role...".
The unique combination of physical skills and mental toughness required to succeed at "a game of failure" has forever taught me a strong work ethic along with maturity and leadership skills beyond my years.
I have been able to carry these values into the classroom and achieve solid grades throughout my high school tenure.
The game of baseball has made me more than a better player; it has made me a better person.
As I've grown and improved, I have learned to challenge myself, establish goals and set tough expectations.
I have a positive reputation and demonstrate strong values and character. I am coachable and a committed player that is hungry to learn from all my coaches.
Athletically, I leave my all on the field because I cherish every moment as if it were my last. And I push myself beyond my limits off the field, by putting in the hours to develop, not only my physical strength and athleticism but also my mental strength.
Academically, my goal is to be able to have a successful career in business and continue my life long passion for baseball.
I have also been able to coach my younger brother and his teammates the technical skills of baseball, allowing not only them to develop as players, but also to strengthen my leadership skills and get a deeper understanding for the fundamentals of our game.
So baseball has become more than just a game to me; it has also become a pathway to fulfil my potential in all aspects of life.
Coaches References:
Marty Grant (NZ U18 WBSC National Coach) says I am "athletic, articulate, has a high ceiling of potential" and he "sees me in a leadership role...".
Toshiki Nakao (NZ U18 WBSC National Manager) is also happy to be contacted as a referee.
Athletics
Club Information
- Seasons of Club Experience
- 8 seasons
- 2023 New Zealand National u18 WBSC Team (U18 National Representative )
- New Zealand U-18 national team representative - Playing in WBSC qualifier in December 2022
- 2022 2022 17U Auckland Tuatara (New Zealand selection)
- Thomas's 17U Auckland Tuatara team won the Australian 16-18 years 2022 Baseball Championships in July 2022. Playing in the Gold Coast Winter Classic, Thomas played center field for the New Zealand-wide selected team and went undefeated 7-0 to take out the championship.
- 2021 2021 Central City Baseball (U16 National Championships)
- 4th Best Batting Average at Nationals, 0.583, 2nd best RBIs 10, 3rd in 2Bs & 4th in OBP
- 2021 2021 Little League Senior New Zealand Champions (Little League Seniors)
- Thomas's team won the New Zealand qualifier to represent New Zealand at the Asia Pacific Little League Senior Tournament
- 2021 Central City Baseball Club (U16)
- Central City Club Team U16 Top Batter Award, U16 Cy Young Award (Top Pitcher)... Regular season Pitching: Undefeated 5-0, Most Innings pitched (31), 4th best ERA (3.61), 4th best SOs (39 in 31 innings)
- 2020 Central City Baseball (U16)
- U16 Top Batter Award
- 2019 Central City Baseball (U13)
- U13 Auckland Club season stats (11 games, 25 ABs): 2nd in HRs (2), First in RBIs (21), 11 Hits, 2 HRs, 10 SBs, 0.440 Batting Average
- 2017 Mt Albert Ramblers Softball (U13, U15 and U17 Auckland Club Champions)
- Awards: U13 Best Team Player & Sportsmanship, U15 MVP, U17 Top Batter
Coach References
- Other
- Toshiki Nakao (WBSC U-18 National Team Manager)
- Other
- Marty Grant (WBSC U-18 National Team Coach)
- Club Coach
- Gus Leger
- Strength
- Steve Roberts
- Club Coach
- Tyrone Hay
Training
- Sparta Strength & Speed Training
- 2 years
- Held at Auckland University campus, coach Steve Roberts ex Saint Mary's College of California
- 2022 Combine Academy, North Carolina
- 1 year
- Thomas attended the 2 week Combine Academy baseball camp in Lincolnton, North Carolina in July 2022. One of 7 New Zealand boys asked to attend the inaugural camp for Kiwi boys to train during the school holiday break.
Additional Sports
- Soccer
- 10 years
- Club/Travel Team
- Softball
- 10 years
- Club/Travel Team
- Water Polo
- 2 years
- Club/Travel Team
- Rugby
- 1 year
- Club/Travel Team
- Cycling
- 4 years
- Club/Travel Team
- Swimming
- 3 years
- Club/Travel Team
Statistics
| Statistic | 2021 Central City B | 2021 2021 Central C |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. | 0.378 | 0.583 |
| GP/GS | 13 | |
| AB | 37 | 12 |
| R | 21 | 7 |
| H | 14 | 7 |
| 2B | 6 | 2 |
| 3B | 1 | 0 |
| HR | 0 | 0 |
| RBI | 11 | 10 |
| SLG% | 0.595 | 0.75 |
| BB | 12 | 7 |
| HBP | 1 | 0 |
| SO | 4 | 2 |
| OB% | 0.529 | 0.773 |
| SB/Attempts | 7/7 | 3/4 |
| Types of Pitches | Fastball, Change up | Fastball, Change up |
| ERA | 3.61 | 6.56 |
| W-L (Pitching Record) | 5-0 | 1-1 |
| Appearances | 8 | 2 |
| Games Started | 6 | 1 |
| Complete Games | 1 | 0 |
| Saves | 0 | 0 |
| Innings Pitched | 31 | 5.1 |
| Hits | 23 | 5 |
| Runs Allowed | 22 | 9 |
| Earned Runs | 16 | 5 |
| Batter's BB | 36 | 7 |
| Batter's SO | 39 | 4 |
| Batter's HBP | 1 | |
| PO | 3 | |
| Assists | 13 | |
| Errors | 0 | |
| Fielding % | 1.000 | |
| Team Record | Team finished 3rd in National Championships |
Academics
Grades
Test Scores
High School Information
Academic Accomplishments
Are you in honor classes?
Yes. Biology Accounting EconomicsAre you in AP/IB classes?
Yes. Biology Accounting EconomicsAwards and Activities
- Awards1) 2022 Biology Certificate 2) 2022 Prize for Second in Class
- Activities1) Auckland Grammar School Interact (Volunteer) Group 2) Auckland Grammar School Environmental Group 3) Auckland Grammar School Coaching 14A2 Soccer Team
