By Emma Gonosey
Sports editor
Varsity pitcher and senior Thatcher Hurd stars in a story written for the Los Angeles Times newspaper.
During Costa’s home game against West Torrance on March 31st, Hurd had ten strikeouts, throwing the majority of his pitches faster than 90 miles per hour.
“I put in a lot of work in between my starts, so that I feel my best when it’s my time to pitch,” Hurd said. “I went out and competed and had fun like I always do. In terms of confidence, I had 14 strikeouts the [game] before, and I am very regimented with my mentality, so that certainly played into it.”
This being Thatcher’s first year at Mira Costa, he has already risen to the top, being one of the best pitchers on the varsity baseball team. Before this year, Hurd pitched for a different baseball team. Since he’s started pitching for the team, Costa baseball has gone 6-7 this year.
“We have definitely not gotten off to the start we would like to, but we have it in us to be a very competitive team that can win more games,” Hurd said. “Personally, I’ve been pleased with how I’ve progressed and competed.”
The story written about Hurd in the Los Angeles Times mentions his future in baseball, and discusses whether or not he has any interest in playing professionally or playing in college.
“[It’s] definitely my dream to play in the major leagues,” said Hurd. “I’ve been working very hard for a long time to strive to get there one day.”
While Hurd is keeping his options open, he has already signed a letter of intent to UCLA, to pitch for their baseball team.
“I most likely [see myself playing] college before pro ball,” Hurd said. “I’m on a scholarship to UCLA [next year].”
In his most recent game against West Torrance, Hurd pitched in front of more than a dozen pro scouts, with all eyes focused on him. Based on the way Hurd has been playing and the college opportunities he already has, it is clear that Hurd has a strong future in baseball, and has multiple options of which path he wants to take.
“I see [the team] going in the right direction,” Hurd said. “Personally, I’m just going to try and compete and win every time I get on the mound.”
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