Athlete Of The Week: Tyler Thompson

Tyler Thompson does whatever it takes to help his team.

Whether he is getting the start on the mound, coming out of the bullpen, or always keeping a smile on his face in the dugout, Thompson is the definition of a good teammate.

Thompson, who recently graduated from Princeton High School, has played baseball for most of his life, and like a lot of student-athletes, he lost a season of playing his favorite sport due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

And despite a senior season that still came with obstacles, Thompson and his teammates were still able to enjoy a season on the baseball diamond.

In his four years in a Princeton jersey, Thompson has a 2.31 earned run average and tossed 150 strikeouts.

“As one of the seniors that have played varsity all four years, I felt like I needed to be a leader this year,” Thompson said.

Thompson and his teammates led Princeton to a 9-6 record, which was the Bulldog’s first winning season since 2016. Princeton also advanced to the second round of the N.C. High School Athletic Association 1A playoffs.

“Coming out of a season that got cut short this season at Princeton was very special,” Thompson said. “We finally made the playoffs this year and made it to the second round, and just being able to be on a ballfield this year was very exciting.”

Before he heads off to Lenoir Community College in the fall, Thompson is spending his summer playing for Wayne County Post 11.

He recently had a standout performance against Kinston Post 43, Thompson pitched a complete game, threw six strikeouts and zero walks, and only gave up to hits.

“Honestly, it was a game that we needed to win, and I was glad to be put in a situation to help win the game, and I went out there and tried my best,” Thompson said. “My defense helped me out a lot, and I appreciate how hard they worked behind me.”

Thompson said he is having an awesome summer playing for Wayne County Post 11.

“This year’s team reminds me a lot of my first year. We’ve been good all three years I’ve been here, but there’s something special about this team,” Thompson said.