Sports can provide hope and inspiration to athletes looking to succeed not only in the game that they love playing, but in life as well.

One such case is Thomas Powell a senior at United Christian Academy in Standardsville, VA who came to Baseball Factory looking to improve his skills and left with a profound impression from Baseball Factory coaches who nurtured him through the process.

Powell’s focus was a special one, being an athlete that is also hearing-impaired helped Thomas gain an even deeper understanding of the game he loves.

“Being hearing-impaired helped me block out things I didn’t need to hear from other teammates and that really keeps your mind focused on the game,” says Thomas. “Having a hearing loss has made me work harder because some people look at you differently and you just have to prove you are able to do all the same things they do, if not better.”

It’s this type of attitude and outlook on life that will make Thomas successful in anything he does. He has a keen awareness of helping younger athletes be better themselves.

“As an athlete, I realize that younger players look up to me. This gives me the opportunity as a handicap athlete to share with them that just because you have a disability, you can still do what others can. Never let one little bump in the road stop you from chasing your dreams.”

Thomas making the throw across the diamond

Despite Thomas’ hearing impairment, he remained undaunted, attending the Arizona Junior Fall Classic in 2013 and Senior Fall Classic in 2014, in addition to Team One events. He keeps grinding along in a sport he loves.

“Baseball to me is a unique game. In fact, it is my passion. Although I work hard to build my skills for baseball, it doesn’t seem like a chore because I love it. Other sports are time limited and they seem to be more controlled by the clock.”

The impairment never affected his play, nor was it an excuse. It never affected Baseball Factory coaches either as they provided positive reinforcement.

“The show cases were a great experience for my son,” says Thomas’ father, Phillip. “The coaches working with Thomas did not make him feel that his hearing had any bearing on his performance. Every athlete must push to do their best and be willing to learn through instruction.”

The chance for one person to help build up and give back to others is a rewarding and positive feeling that never seems to go away.

Powell, who has committed to Lynchburg College, decided when his playing days come to an end, he’ll become a Baseball Factory coach and help young-athletes in the future.

“My inspiration to become a Baseball Factory coach comes from the profound impression the coaches there made for me,” Thomas explains. “They helped to improve my skills by giving me an honest evaluation of my game. They praised and encouraged me when I did well but never failed to correct me and show me a better way to change what I was doing wrong. The way Baseball Factory coaches coach and teach is what I feel like I could do to make a difference in young athletes.”

One coach in particular took a liking to Thomas, more so for the person he is, rather than just his performance on the field.

Nolan Fuller, Baseball Operations Coordinator for Baseball Factory, spoke of the intangibles for Thomas that goes beyond the baseball diamond.

Thomas has committed to Lynchburg College

“Thomas is one of those special type of players that has fire in his eye,” says Nolan. “He is extremely passionate about the game and has that competitive edge, that 6th tool and those natural instincts that just can’t be taught. He is determined and nothing seems to be able to stop him from doing what he’s meant to do.”

Realizing that his talent could take him far with Coach Fuller’s help has been a positive experience for Thomas.

“Working with Nolan has been a pleasure,” says Thomas. “I was able to talk to him whenever I needed something and he always took time to help me. I just want to say “Thank You” to the Baseball Factory for the opportunities they have given me throughout the years with them.”

Phillip Powell appreciated Coach Fuller’s honest evaluation of his son throughout his time with Baseball Factory.

“Nolan made me feel welcomed and comfortable enough to ask questions about my son and his career,” says Phillip. “His resources were so helpful when it came to preparing Thomas for college sports. Nolan is a real asset to the Baseball Factory program.”

In the end Thomas’ positive attitude left a mark on Coach Fuller and others too.

“That is as satisfying as it gets. As baseball coaches (with Baseball Factory), we get the chance every day to give back and help others on their way to achieving life-long goals. Nothing feels better than when families have that satisfaction – and to have a player want that as a career, that’s special. The world definitely needs more people like Thomas.”