Massapequa lefthander Thomas Harding wins Doug Robins Diamond Award as Nassau's best pitcher
Thomas Harding of Massapequa starred on the mound and also had clutch hits in the playoffs. Credit: James Escher
The swagger of a shutdown ace does not come overnight. For Massapequa’s Thomas Harding, it came pitch by pitch, with poise, power and a belief that he was the best pitcher on the field.
Most days, he was.
The 6-4, 215-pound lefthander was honored as the top pitcher in Nassau this season, earning the Doug Robins Diamond Award at Wednesday night’s Nassau Baseball Awards Dinner at the Uniondale Marriott.
“This meant everything,” Harding said. “I’ve put in a lot of work for this, and I’m glad I could help my team, especially this year.”
Harding is the fourth player from Massapequa and the second in a row to earn the award, joining George Adams (2024), Ryan McCormick (2012) and Brad Lyons (1999).
After serving as the team’s main reliever a year ago, Harding made the jump to ace and did more than just fill the role.
“Thomas was expected to be our ace, and he backed that up with a fabulous season,” Massapequa coach Tom Sheedy said. “I can’t tell you the last time he gave up an earned run.”
Thomas Harding, Massapequa starting pitcher, delivers to the plate during the top of the third inning of the Long Island Class AAA baseball championship against Connetquot at Farmingdale State College on June 8. Credit: James Escher
In 52 1/3 innings, Harding allowed just 18 hits and five earned runs, walked 31 and struck out 85. He finished the season with a 0.669 ERA and a 0.936 WHIP. His season began with a statement, striking out 15 batters in 5 2/3 innings in his first league start, and he never looked back.
“I get excited every time I get to go out and play,” Harding said. “I’ve become more consistent in throwing strikes, working pitches, and I don’t walk as many batters as I used to. So overall, I’m just more efficient.”
Harding was also a key contributor offensively. After being moved into the cleanup spot later in the season, he delivered big hits in the postseason.
In Game 1 of the Nassau Class AAA semifinals, he struck out eight in five innings and went 2-for-3 with an RBI against Oceanside. In Game 2 of the championship series against Farmingdale, he doubled and scored in a win. In the Long Island AAA final, he allowed three hits and no runs in 4 2/3 innings in a 7-0 victory over Connetquot.
“In the past three weeks, he’s been our main hitter,” Sheedy said. “He’s done everything. He’s grown as a pitcher, and he’s fearless. He has tremendous confidence in himself.”
The St. John’s commit carries a 95 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society.
“I use it all as motivation,” Harding said. “Give me the ball. I’m going to get the job done.”
