US-bound on the pitcher’s mound

The
Catholic Weekly
Online

Sydney
15 February 2004

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US-bound on the pitcher’s mound

US-bound on the pitcher’s mound

US-bound teenager Aaron Thorne in action on the pitcher’s mound

By Damir Govorcin

Aaron Thorne is a young man with a golden arm, an arm that can send a baseball hurtling at a daunting pace – daunting, that is, for the batter at the plate facing him.

And he does it so well that he has been signed up by a major league baseball team in the US.

Aaron, 17, a Year 12 student at Gilroy College, Castle Hill, became an instant celebrity when the news was announced – a seven-year deal worth $250,000 to play with the Seattle Mariners.

His signing created enormous interest in the print and electronic media.

The young Baulkham Hills pitcher is still coming to terms with his new-found celebrity status. He still can’t believe that he is on the way to fulfilling his dream of playing in the “big show” – the US major leagues.

“When I signed the contract, I spoke with a number of journalists in print, radio and television … it was just amazing,” said Aaron.

“I think it’s just sinking in that I’m going to play baseball in the US.

“It’s an awesome feeling and I just feel so lucky to get the chance to live out my dream.”

Aaron will be following in the footsteps of his brother David, who is a pitcher with the Montreal Expos.

David has been with the Expos since 1999, but has yet the crack the Majors.

Only 11 Australians, including Graeme Lloyd, Dave Nilsson, Grant Balfour, Damian Moss, Mark Hatton and Shane Bennett, have played in the major leagues.

So the road Aaron faces is a difficult one.

He will start in Seattle’s farm-league side, based in Arizona, in September.

The team travels by bus from city to city for its games – a far-cry from the star treatment major league players are afforded, such as staying in five star hotels and travelling on the team’s private plane.

“There’s no star treatment playing in the farm-leagues,” says Aaron, “and that will be good for me.

“There are six levels before I reach the majors, so I realise I will have to work hard to get there. Being away from family will be tough, but it will be part of my growth as a person and baseballer.

“My aim is to reach the majors in five years and I’m confident in my ability that I can do it.”

Aaron’s fastest pitch has been recorded at 87 mph (139km/h). In baseball parlance, that’s some serious heat.

Over the next few years, his aim is to consistently pitch at 90 mph (144 km/h), the average speed in the majors.

Aaron takes great care in looking after his golden arm.

He works out four times a week in the gym and ices his arm after each pitching workout.

“It takes around three or four days before I can pitch again after a match, so it is important I look after myself to avoid any long-term injury,” he said.

“I will need to step up my training regime if I am to increase my velocity.”

Aaron was spotted two years ago by Seattle Mariners scout and NSW Institute of Sport pitching coach Barry Holland.

The Mariners’ player development director Roger Jongewaard then saw him in action at the recent under-18 national championships in Geelong and offered him a contract.

Aaron has wisely handed over his newfound wealth to his parents, who will invest it for his future.

“My parents will let me buy a car and a laptop, but the rest will be locked away so I can’t touch it,” he said.

“I know I would blow the money on something stupid, so giving the responsibility to my parents is best for my long-term future.”

Apart from baseball, Aaron will aim to complete his HSC this year.

“It’s going to be pretty hard to study with my baseball commitments, but I’m determined to complete my HSC so I can have some qualifications to fall back on should things not work out in the US,” he said.

“I haven’t given a career other than baseball a thought.

“Making a living out of baseball is what I have dreamed about and I’m determined to make it.”