Baseball:

By Brian Reed-Baiotto

With all the uncertainty in high school sports, let alone life during this pandemic, a Monrovia High School senior did something that even COVID-19 couldn’t stop.

Nathan Thompson, one of the area’s premier hitters, committed to play baseball for Cal State San Bernardino in 2022.

In 2018, Thompson played freshman ball, as Brad Blackmore’s varsity program went 23-5-1, which included a trip to the CIF finals, thanks to a productive and senior-heavy lineup.

In need of many players in 2019, Thompson moved up without missing a beat.

The 6-foot-2, 205-pounder played first base and led the Wildcats in hits (21), RBIs (21) and had two of the program’s three home runs that year.

To be fair to Nathan, it was actually three.

But an umpire picked an inopportune time to call a balk on the pitcher.

Fast forward to his junior year, and Monrovia was off to a 7-1 start, until COVID-19 shut down the world.

In eight games, Thompson was batting 368, with seven hits, eight runs, six RBI’s two doubles, a triple and one home run.

Over the last year, the 17-year old has worked tirelessly to improve his game, both at the plate and in the field.

With the help of Dave Young, his coach at So Cal Heat, he’s learning to be a competent outfielder (mostly center field) and Thompson credits his lifelong hitting coach, Chuck Alessi, with continually working with him on his ‘mechanics, getting everything down and refining it,” Thompson said.

Most believe there will be a high school baseball season, because of the time it starts, the fact that it’s played outdoors, and for the most part there is separation between the athletes.

And if that happens, Blackmore and Thompson are very excited with the talent throughout the Wildcats lineup.

Thompson said he appreciates Blackmore being a hard-ass in his demands and expectations, because each player benefits on the baseball field with that structure and discipline, but more importantly, it’s something they’ll be able to apply to their everyday lives going forward.

“Coach B tells us what we need to hear, which is not always what we want to hear, and we need that,” Thompson said. “He’s also played a big role in me becoming a much smarter player. I study pitchers and their habits, and his work with me out in the field has really helped me feel comfortable at first base. I’m even getting used to being in the outfield, so if they need me there, I’ll give them everything I have.”

In that same mode of telling it like is, Thompson believes the 2021 Monrovia program has a great chance of making a deep playoff run, and yet he said honestly and brutally that “sometimes we lose our focus and we can’t let that happen.”

That kind of foresight and honesty goes a long way with Blackmore.

Off the baseball field, Thompson also excels in the classroom.

Last year, he boasted a 4.0 GPA, and while he’s currently around the 3.7  mark, Thompson can’t stand the zoom instruction, as opposed to being in a classroom and learning more directly from his teachers.

Nathan really likes the connection he has with the coaches at CSUSB, especially when he was told they look for good people, who happen to be good at baseball.

“I want to go out there, work as hard as I can, and contribute in any way I can to help the program win as many games as possible,” he said.

Last but not least, we spoke about his parents, Harvey and Ely.

Said Nathan Thompson: “My dad is my biggest supporter and he’s even more active than I am by finding me places to play during the offseason or anything he can to help me get better. He used to pat me on the back when I did well and still tell me when I made mistakes. But now, he knows that no one is more hard on me than I am of myself, so he kind of gives me that space and knowing I know what I did wrong. And I appreciate that about him. My mom has sacrificed everything, including work and her social life to make sure her only child has the best life possible and I couldn’t be more thankful for that.”

Quotable:

Monrovia coach, Brad Blackmore: “Myself and my coaches and players are very proud and excited for Nathan to continue his education and baseball future at Cal State San Bernardino. Nate is an extremely hard worker and talented player who has grown into one of the best hitters in our area. He has always been respectful of the game and will continue to do great things in college.”

Monrovia senior, Mateo Valle: “Nathan is an all-around great player. He’ll hit for contact and power, he has great speed and base running IQ, his field is phenomenal. He’s the kind of teammate you want on your team and is someone who won’t show his frustration at all. He is always there for you no matter what, and puts everyone ahead of himself. When I moved last year to Monrovia, he introduced himself to me and showed me around everywhere. He comes to the field with a smile on his face and wants to get better everyday no matter what kind of day it is.”

Former Monrovia player. Luke Heiberg: “Nate is easily one of the most physically gifted players I’ve ever met or seen. He’s gifted with his size, power and coordination are things that he knows how to use. He not only can hit a ball 400+ feet, but he can spray the field and get clutch hits when they are needed. His defense is more than consistent and there are plenty of people that can vouche for that. In close games, he’s loud and he gets done what needs to get done and he’s always got your back one way or another. He’s a kid I’d take on my team any day.”

Nathan Thompson Stats at Monrovia:

2019: .309, 21 hits, 21 RBI’s, 11 runs, five doubles, two home runs. Hit two of MHS 3 home runs, first in RBIs, first in hits)
2020: .368, seven hits, eight runs, six RBI’s two doubles, triple, home run

Team Records:

2019: 15-10, 6-6 (fourth in Rio Hondo League)
2020: 7-1, 0-0