BVI’s Thomas makes British baseball team for European Championships
While most of his colleagues have eyed an opportunity to play Major League Baseball, Natheson Thomas of the British Virgin Islands has taken a different route that has landed him a spot on the Great Britain team for the 2016 European Championships, which begin Friday in Hoofddorp in the Netherlands.
Thomas, known as “Shadow” — who got his start in the game under the tutelage of former St. John resident Terry Chinnery and played for Altus Junior College in Western Oklahoma from 2007-2009 and Bluefield State College in Bluefield West Va., in 2011 — is the first BVI player to land a spot on a Great Britain baseball roster for any competition.
Thomas, 28, has been playing shortstop and pitching. He had the opportunity on Tuesday to pitch an inning and showcase his skills.
“I had a little up and down since I didn’t pitch up until last year, but right now, my velocity is at a good point and everything is working good right now,” he said. “To be honest, I’m looking to showcase what I can do to help out Great Britain baseball and hopefully make the team for the upcoming World Baseball Classic qualifier, which is a week after the European Championships.
