Ring-tum Phi: What inspired you to start playing baseball?

Tom Concklin: My parents had me play just about every single sport as a kid and I had the most fun playing baseball.  I knew I had a passion for it at a very young age.

Phi: What made you want to be a college pitcher?

TC: I just loved the game of baseball and knew I was not ready to give up the game in high school.  Once I knew that I had the ability to play at the college level, I was certain I wanted to continue playing.

Phi: Why did you choose W&L for your college baseball career?

TC: I came on my visit with my uncle, an alum, (Tim Stuart ’82) and knew this is where I wanted to be.  The academics, the team, and the facilities blew me away. I felt that it would be a great fit.

Phi:  How have you felt about the season thus far?

TC: We started off a little slow to begin the season, but have been playing very well heading into the start of conference play.  We have seen some great contributions from returners and newcomers and are really excited to see our progression as the season goes along.

Phi: What are you looking forward to most this season?

TC: Hopefully making it to the ODAC Tournament and giving us the best chance possible to win it.  That is the ultimate goal for the season and there is nothing like playing on the big stage against great competition.

Phi: What are the greatest strengths of this year’s team?

TC: Our mentality and teamwork.  All 33 of us have one goal in mind and are willing to do whatever it takes to help the team win.

Phi: How did you feel after your complete game shutout against Hampden-Sydney on Saturday?

TC: It was a lot of fun having a strong outing against a good conference opponent, but ultimately I am very proud with how we started off strong in our conference schedule.  I was just happy to do my job and give my team a chance to win.

Phi: What is your favorite Washington and Lee baseball memory?

TC: Beating Hampden-Sydney 2-1 in the tournament last year. Luke Myer, ’16, threw out a runner at the plate to end the game.  That was one of my favorite moments on a baseball diamond ever.

Phi: What are your personal goals for the season?

TC: To develop as a leader and to give the team a chance to win every time my number is called.  As a pitcher, I am only on the field for one-third of our games so my personal goals reach further than just statistics or numbers.  I just want to help the team win in any way that I can.

Phi: What has contributed most to your personal success?

TC: Hard work day in and day out.  We have an extremely long season and using every day to get better is important.  Understanding that each day is an opportunity to develop and using each day to improve on something concrete goes a long way in significant improvement in a multi-month season.

Phi: Do you have any game day rituals?

TC: I always wear one sock inside out.

Phi: What is your favorite thing to do off the field?

TC: I really like to play golf when I have free time.

Phi: Do you have any plans for after graduation?

TC: I will be working at Lincoln International, an Investment Bank in Chicago after graduation.