For the past seven winters, MLB veteran Tommy La Stella has been a regular face at PBI.
Fielding ground balls, working on his transfer and footwork around the bag, and taking BP – Tommy was often the first person in our facility in the morning, working on what he knew he needed to do to get ready for the coming season. The results have been a seven-year MLB career for Tommy with the Braves, Cubs, Angels and Athletics, with a career stat line of .274/.349.405.
World Series champs! Tommy La Stella and his former Cubs teammate Ben Zobrist at PBI
PBI owner and president Doug Cinnella has watched Tommy from the perspective of both a former professional player and a scout for the Cincinnati Red. “Tommy’s work ethic has always impressed me. It’s no surprise how consistent he’s been over the course of his career and Giants fans will love what Tommy brings to the field each night.”
PBI instructor Steve Hayward has worked with Tommy since high school. “We’ve been training together since he was 15 years old, and after seven years in the big leagues he finally gets the contract he deserves. One of the best hitters on the planet!”
“Steve and the guys at PBI have been great to work with over the years,” La Stella said adding that, “Steve has been a big help to me in my career.”
Tommy’s high school coach, Frank Salvano (St. Joseph’s Regional/Montvale) summed his former player up succinctly – “I’m so proud of him. The best hitter who ever played for me.”
In this video, Tommy talks about his decision to sign a three-year deal with the Giants and what he hopes to learn from manager Gabe Kapler and his new teammates.
