by RikkiLynn Shields Social Media Editor
Tom Cosgrove, a former Jasper was drafted from Manhattan College in the 12th round of the 2017 MLB Draft by the San Diego Padres during his junior year. Before being drafted, Cosgrove was studying finance here at Manhattan. Since being drafted, Cosgrove has already been promoted twice and most recently pitched for the Class A Fort Wayne TinCaps. Overall, Cosgrove pitched very well this past season, and while his team was eliminated from playoff contention on the final day, Cosgrove pitched the game and kept the team going for the first seven innings before they lost in the 10th inning.
The Quadrangle: Tell us how you got into baseball, your journey with the sport, and what made you choose to play baseball at Manhattan College.
Tom Cosgrove: My Dad was a big influence, but it was just something I always did. I never had to make a decision to play, it was just something I knew I was going to do for as long as I could.
TQ: What was your experience like at Manhattan College as a student-athlete?
TC: Manhattan has a very family-oriented athletic department and I know there are not many schools where student-athletes are cared for as much as faculty and staff at Manhattan care for their student-athletes.
TQ: What was it like being drafted in the 12th round of the 2017 MLB by the San Diego Padres?
TC: It was a blessing and I’m very thankful the Padres gave me this opportunity, but at the end of that draft day I knew that being drafted is not the goal– the goal’s to have a successful and long big league career. So, for me, it was just another step in the process.
TQ: What is a typical day like for you?
TC: While I’m in season (March-September) we play 140 games with few off days, so it’s really a grind between the travel and nine-plus hours at the field everyday. For a 7:05 p.m. game, I usually get to the field around 1:00 p.m. Eat, watch some videos, stretch, throwing programs, run, get in the weight room, eat, get ready for the game.
TQ: We’ve heard that you were promoted twice already and recently pitched in full-season Single-A. What promotions have you received and how does it feel to be doing so well?
TC: Yes it definitely feels good to be moving up on track. I am trying to not focus on anything but what I can control, so promotions isn’t something I think about. Just try to find ways to get better and that other stuff will work itself out.
TQ: Do you think there a possibility of one day playing the Majors?
TC: If I didn’t think so I wouldn’t be here. And if the Padres didn’t think so I wouldn’t be here.
TQ: How did your time at Manhattan influence your baseball career?
TC: I wasn’t good enough to go play pro ball out of highschool like some kids. So, Manhattan is where I grew under great coaches, and without my teammates and coaches at Manhattan, I believe I wouldn’t still be playing.
TQ: What advice would you give to anyone trying to make a career out of baseball?
TC: Stick with the process and only worry about controlling the things you can control.