Athlete of the Week: Thomas Achey, The First Academy baseball

The First Academy baseball’s Thomas Achey, a pitcher committed to play college ball at Stetson, has been one of the shining stars from the Royals pitching rotation. 

The senior has led TFA’s starters with a 1.32 ERA and 70 strikeouts across the 42.1 innings he’s pitched this season in his 11 pitching appearances, while holding opposition batters to .164 average. 

Beyond the season-long numbers, Achey also stepped up when the lights were the brightest. In Game 2 of the best-of-three Class 2A, Region 2 championship series, the Royals’ left-hander threw a no-hitter in a five-inning, complete game to clinch the Royals’ second consecutive regional championship and punch their ticket back to the Final Four. 

THE BASICS 

Age: 18

Sport: Baseball 

Grade: Senior

School: The First Academy 

How does it feel to be named Athlete of the Week? 

It’s really cool. I’ve never had this honor before, so it’s nice having the spotlight on me for my athletic accomplishments.

What do you enjoy the most about baseball? 

Being in control of the game. As a pitcher, I control the game. I can go slower or faster, and it affects everyone. I enjoy that.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from baseball? 

No matter how many times you fail, you have to get back up and keep going, because there’s going to be another play, another pitch, another game that you need to be focused on.

What is your favorite baseball memory? 

Throwing a no-hitter in the regional final.

Who is your favorite athlete? 

Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal because he’s a big lefty who just dominates, and it’s fun to watch him.

What is your go-to pre-game meal? 

A smoothie from Planet Smoothie. 

What is your go-to pre-game hype song? 

I’m not a huge music person, but I enjoy just some country.

What is your favorite non-sports hobby? 

I love to fish.

What is your favorite subject in school? 

History because I just enjoy learning about the past and seeing how much it’s changed compared to now.

What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island? 

A shotgun, knife and water.

What is your favorite movie? 

“Sandlot.” I’m a baseball person, so I just love it.

If you could have dinner with one person — dead or alive — who would it be? 

Nolan Ryan. I would love to pick his brain about pitching.

If you could go back in time to a specific period in history, when and where would you go?

The 1980s because my parents claim it’s the best period of time ever.

Looking back, what piece of advice would you give your younger self? 

Just keep going. Don’t let the little struggles affect an outing, a year or even a career.

If you could ask your future self a question, what would it be? 

Are you happy?

Who is your favorite superhero? 

Batman because he lives in the shadows and protects the city from crime.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? 

Teleportation because it would be so easy to travel from place to place.

If you could travel to three places in the world, where would you go and why? 

Germany to take in all the history, Bora Bora for the unreal beaches and water, and Iceland because the hiking is insane, and I want to visit the Blue Lagoon. 

If you could be an animal for a day, which one would you be and why? 

I would be a tiger, because I just think they are the coolest animals around, and it would be a fun day being one.

What is your most controversial food take? 

I like pineapple on pizza.

Does pineapple belong on pizza? 

Absolutely!