Thomari Story-Harden is the CEO / Director of Team Avenue Baseball, a student/athlete baseball developmental program and Assc Scout for the Philadelphia Phillie's. Thomari partnered with Major League Baseball to form the new Central Valley RBI program. Thomari is also a Mentor and Coach to the players of Worldwide Baseball Prospects recruitment planning program
A local standout at El Cerrito High, the 6 '7 - 270lb Story-Harden starred in football and baseball before getting drafted in the 8th Round of the 1998 Amatuer Draft by the LA Dodgers. He played with the LA Dodgers organization for 6 years. Thomari then made the move to the East Coast playing 3 years of Independent Baseball in which he made the Frontier League All Star Team in 2005.
Once his pro career ended, Thomari re-focused his commitment to giving back to the youth of the Central Valley (California) area by starting the Team Avenue Baseball Academy and Avenue Outreach, a non-profit baseball school. On top of tutoring players on the field, Story-Harden assisted in placing youth in college at all levels of play. His philosophy when working with young adults is to stress academics and family before athletics.
"I truly believe the statement made by Tommy Lasorda the, "The Road to Success comes through the Avenue of Hard work."
Hall of Fame Coach (Fresno State) Bob Bennett has changed my whole perspective in terms of coaching. He has invested years into mentoring me as a coach. I thank him for his time with me and our players, he has changed my life. Meeting him has giving me the opportunity to share a piece of Coach Bennett with the world. I have learned that just because I played professional baseball does not make me a good coach. Coach Bennett has taught me how to teach based on the player, every player is different. Teaching in detail and holding players accountable to practice fundamentals is essential in the baseball development process. I personally care about every player that plays for Team Avenue Baseball; most importantly I care about what happens after the TAB Experience in terms of success stories.
