As we continue to shape-the-state here in New York, several different unique features will be available on our website. Player Spotlights, Progress Reports, Commitment Blogs, Scouting Blogs, Rankings and Top-Performer Lists, and so much more. Without the players we have nothing, so lets take this a bit more personal - Get To Know: Our new article feature that hones in on what our Empire State players are up to, what makes them tick, and some real-candid inside access...

Name: Tim McHugh
High School: Commack
Grad Year: 2019
Position: OF
State Rank: No. 3
National Rank: No. 141

PBR: Let's start with your baseball commitment to TCU. Tell us about the process and how you decided on the Horned Frogs? How excited are you to play in the Big12 Conference?

McHugh: The recruiting process for me started down in Fort Meyers, Florida at the Underclass World Championships. The TCU Assistant Coach had told my coach that he came to watch me and my teammate play. When we found this out we experienced some nerves but we knew to simply play the game like we always do. Play hard and play smart. During the process I was talking with Duke and University of Washington mainly but I was also contacted by Stanford, University of Florida, University of Arizona and some others. TCU was previously my one of my main schools that I was interested in and when they offered me I wanted to accept it instantly but of course I had to talk with my family and after a few weeks of hard thought we came to a decision and I am more than excited to be a Horned Frog. These next 3 years can't come any quicker. I can't wait to be competing in the Big12 with some very great schools on a road to Omaha.

PBR: Baseball has an unbelievable way of positively shaping young man on and off the field. Tell us one life-lesson you have picked up over the years playing the game, and how that life-lesson may impact you later in life?

McHugh: Baseball has taught me a lot in life but one key point is to always work hard. There is excuses as to why you may have failed and not received what you wanted but there is no excuse to not try. Whether I have an opportunity to play in the bigs or be a business man or have another occupation working hard is always a great idea to stand by. 

PBR: If you were a baseball scout and just watched yourself play, what would that scouting report look like?

McHugh: I would say my scouting report would look like, great speed around the bases, strong arm in the outfield, generates power off of fastballs very well, handles curveballs well and a hustler. 

PBR: This one is for our strictly baseball-minded readers. Tell us about your strengths and weaknesses on the field.

McHugh: Some strengths of my game are getting into good counts, jumping on fastballs, having good pitch selection, good reaction time in the outfield and always thinking and staying in a positive mental state. Some weaknesses include expecting too much out of myself and getting frustrated but I always manage to turn it around and stay positive. 

PBR: You can only pick one, but who is your biggest baseball influence and why?

McHugh: My biggest baseball influence is Mike Trout. He is from the Northeast like me and we are both primarily Center-fielders. If a player can model their game around Mike Trout you will be a very well-rounded player. He can hit for contact, hit for power, run, field and throw. I try to model my game after him simply because he plays the game the right way.  

PBR: We are knee-deep into the off-season schedule. Tell us about your training, and spring preparation.

McHugh: During this off-season I workout four times a week at the gym and participate in a velocity program twice a week, as well as strength and agility with my teammates. And everyday I get my swings in to keep my swing healthy. The spring season seems so far away and I cannot wait to get back on the field playing the game I love. 

PBR: Anyone that plays the game with true passion hopes to leave their own legacy. Tell us how you want to be remembered for playing the game?

McHugh:  I would want to be remembered playing the game as a hustler and a leader. Even if the outcome did not go your way, one should not question your effort. Hustle goes a long way with me and it always has since I was little. I remember back in little league I would always try to be the first one out on the field. Another very important part of the game is being a leader. If one of your teammates is having a bad day it is always good for someone to speak with them and let them know that bad days are going to happen and no one is perfect. Also to let them know to go out next time and really focus on what to improve on. I always try my best to be that teammate.

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