Tommy White says transferring from NC State baseball was ‘hardest decision of my life’
After entering his name in the transfer portal — and getting some backlash from N.C. State fans — former Wolfpack baseball player Tommy White shared his thoughts on his time in Raleigh via social media Saturday.
White, the home-run hitting, gold-chain wearing rookie from St. Pete Beach, Florida is transferring after one record-setting season in Raleigh.
Under a picture of him walking into the dugout, waving to N.C. State fans, White wrote three paragraphs discussing his “next chapter.”
“I will be forever grateful for my time at North Carolina State University,” White wrote. “First, thank you to the amazing fans for all of the love and support this past year. Additionally, I thank my teammates and the coaching staff for a great season together — and specifically thank you Coach (Elliott) Avent for your continued support.”
White added entering the transfer portal was “by far the hardest decision of my life.” Elaborating on his leaving, White wrote that it was “not just a baseball-related decision.”
On the baseball diamond, White and his bat burst onto the scene the opening weekend of his college career, when he hit three home runs in his debut. Quickly earning the nickname ‘Tommy Tanks’ from N.C. State fans, he finished that weekend with five home runs against Evansville. White finished the season with 27 home runs, setting a new NCAA freshman home run record. The previous record was set in 1990.
Against Miami in the ACC tournament, White hit three home runs, securing the N.C. State single-season record for homers — breaking the record set by Turtle Zaun in 1988. White’s three homers against the Hurricanes tied the ACC tournament record for home runs in a game. White had six games this season in which he hit two or more home runs.
After his senior season at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., White was named an All-American by Under Armour and Perfect Game. He was also the Under Armour home run derby champion.
White, the 2022 ACC Freshman of The Year, led the Wolfpack in RBI (74) and was second in hits (85). He was one of just two freshmen named to the All-ACC first team.
“My love goes out to the team and the fans and I wish you all nothing but success and the very best always,” White added on Instagram. “WPN — thank you again for an unforgettable year that I will cherish for a lifetime!”
This story was originally published June 5, 2022 at 12:27 PM with the headline "Tommy White says transferring from NC State baseball was ‘hardest decision of my life’."
