Courtesy of Al Rabon
About a third of the way though the Minor League Baseball season and Columbia Fireflies third baseman David Thompson has been one of the best run producers in baseball. On Wednesday he became only the second player in pro ball to have 40 runs knocked in on the season.
The Mets selected the Miami product and Florida high school home run champ (beat Prince Fielders record) in the fourth round of the 2015 and sent him right to the Brooklyn Cyclones. His first pro season was a struggle hitting only .218/.268/.320 in 206 at bats for Brooklyn.
The 2016 season has been a completely different story for the right-handed hitting power threat. He is currently hitting .294/.354/.483 with 14 doubles, two triples, three home runs and the aforementioned league leading 40 runs batted in.
Unfortunately, for Thompson he was placed on the 7-day disabled list on Sunday night with what to this point is an undisclosed injury. He did miss a game earlier in may due to sore ribs.
MMN: How do you like Columbia so far?
Thompson: Love the city, had fun getting out to explore the town a little bit. Have some family in town, it’s been nice seeing them and hanging out with them a little bit.
MMN: Do you have any family in the area?
Thompson: Cousin is here, have been able to get together with her and a couple her friends and some family from Georgia has been able to come up and have had fun hanging out with them.
MMN: Besides the ocean, What do find the biggest difference is between Columbia and Miami?
Thompson: Miami is a bigger city, not too much difference. I’m not a big party guy, enjoying the weather and just hope it doesn’t get to humid.
MMN: You played football at Miami but were you recruited as a football or baseball player?
Thompson: Yes, I played during my freshmen season and I was recruited in both but I signed my scholarship for football there.
MMN: What made you decide to switch over to play baseball full-time?
Thompson: I had a couple shoulder surgeries, after my second surgery along with the offensive coordinator leaving Miami, I decided it was time to play baseball full-time.
MMN: Did you miss football at first?
Thompson: Oh yeah, I still miss it.
MMN: Have you always been a third baseman?
Thompson: Yeah, for the most part. In high school I played shortstop but in summer ball I moved over to third and I played third my entire time at Miami.
MMN: When did it hit you that you could play professional baseball?
Thompson: In high school some scouts started coming to watch batting practice and coming to some games I realized I may have the chance to play pro baseball.
MMN: Are you satisfied with where you are right now?
Thompson: Oh yeah, I’m happy to be here and thankful that the Mets drafted me last year and giving me the opportunity to play. Taking everyday as a blessing to come out here and play the game.
MMN: What do you do on your down time to get away from baseball?
Thompson: Go to the beach, go out and explore to see what’s around. I enjoy getting a good ping pong game, little things like that.
MMN: Do you have a timetable of where you want to be next season or do you just go out and play?
Thompson: I try not to think too much about it, I just want to go out play everyday and be prepared to play every single day. If I play well things will go in the right direction.
MMN: Have your parents gotten to see you play here in Columbia?
Thompson: My Dad has been out here, but my parents actually moved out to California this past year.
MMN: Do you still call Miami home now that your parents are in California?
Thompson: Yeah, Miami is still home but I spend about half my time in Miami and half in California.
MMN: During the offseason how do you prepare for the upcoming season?
Thompson: When I’m in Miami work out at University of Miami, have a good group of guys that I played with at Miami and we work out together, work with my hitting coach Benny Craig.
MMN: What was your favorite pro football team?
Thompson: Dolphins…it’s been a tough life but they’ve been my favorite team.
MMN: Growing up what was your favorite baseball team?
Thompson: Marlins, I was just a Miami everything fan….BUT I root for the Mets now.
MMN: David, thank you for joining us today.
Thompson: Thank You!
Nice job Al. What was he like? Cocky and brash, or more of a quiet confidence? Did he seem 100% dedicated to improving, or at all complacent? Any nuances you can share that shed insight on his character would be great.
What no questions about the shoulder? Maybe next time.
At the time of the interview his shoulder was not an issue but as he continued to play with out total rest it was not getting better.
David is confident in his ability but he’s not what you would call cocky. He’s very approachable and yes he is always looking to get better. David is great to talk too. With guys from the Miami area you get a preconceived notion about them but David is nothing what I was expecting when I interviewed him.
Thanks Al. Great to hear. Really couldn’t ask for more in terms of attitude.
Have there been any lingering issues with his Thoracic Outlet Syndrome?
He was drafted by the Yanks first time around in 2012, before deciding to attend Miami rather than signing. He was also a Howser award finalist (collegiate player of the year) which has been awarded to players like Posey, Bryant, Strasburgh, Price, etc…..over the last decade, so some pretty elite company. He has the pedigree, if not for missing some time with his medical conditions in college, he probably gets drafted higher, maybe mid 2nd round. The Mets got a steal getting Thompson in the 4th round. He has some power in his bat and a penchant for driving in runs, and with the Mets thin on 3rd base prospects, there isn’t much in his way of moving up the ladder if he produces.