Slugging Machine

May 30th, the Long Beach Coast met the Yuba-Sutter Freebirds in Game 2 of a three-game series, but it was Thomas McCaffrey who delivered the defining swing of the night. With the Coast holding a slim 12–10 lead, the catcher stepped in during the bottom of the 8th and crushed a three-run home run, giving the Coast a big insurance gap and helping solidify the game.

That moment was just the latest example of McCaffrey’s hot streak. Over the past week, he has emerged as one of the most dangerous bats in the lineup, slashing  .538 /.538/1.192  and consistently coming through in key situations.

THE JOURNEY

The 2026 season marks McCaffrey’s second year in independent baseball. During his collegiate career at the University of California, Irvine, he played against current Coast manager Troy Percival, who was serving as an assistant baseball coach at the University of California, Riverside. After he graduated, one of his coaches at UCI connected him with Percival, creating an opportunity to continue his career in independent baseball.

Hailing from Santa Monica, McCaffrey spent much of his time growing up in the Long Beach area, making his time with the Coast especially meaningful. Playing for the Coast gives him the opportunity to represent a community he has long been connected to and the neighborhoods he remembers exploring as a kid.

“It’s all very familiar to me,” said McCaffrey. “When things are familiar and comfortable, you can play more freely and relax that way.”

LOCKED IN

Being named Hitter of the Week is the first league award of McCaffrey’s professional career.

“It was cool to be recognized for having success,” said McCaffrey.

McCaffrey credits his success at the plate to staying present and maintaining a relaxed mindset in the batter’s box.

“I am grateful to be able to play this game for my job,” said McCaffrey. “That relaxed attitude helps me do what needs to be done to help the team win.”

Although the award highlights his success at the plate, McCaffrey stays focused on the bigger goal and continues to grind, knowing it’s a weekly honor. His main priority is going out and helping the Coast win baseball games.

BUILT ON SUPPORT

The coaching staff has helped McCaffrey grow as a player, with Jerome Williams contributing on the defensive side and Troy Glaus guiding him through his development.

“Jerome has helped me defensively with throwing and receiving,” said McCaffrey. Offensively, Glaus has been really reminding me of what kind of player I am, what kind of hitter I am.”

The coaches’ impact is evident in how they play, but goes beyond the number side of the game; they have helped foster a brotherhood.

“Our whole team is great cheerleaders,” said McCaffrey. “We love to see our teammates succeed, and there’s no jealousy.”

The Coast has a team-first mentality that builds each other up, and the camaraderie is evident in their play.

“It’s easy to root for each other, and it’s easy to play for them,” said McCaffrey.

Before joining his baseball family with the Coast, McCaffrey credits the people closest to him for shaping the player he has become today. From covering the cost of gear to dedicating weekends to driving to early-morning games, his family supported every step of his journey. He says the award is just as much theirs as it is his, recognizing the sacrifices they made along the way.

“It feels like I’m giving back to them in a way where they can appreciate my growth as a player,” said McCaffrey. “The award is more so for them.”

WRITTEN BY: NINA CORRAL