Landon Thome, a senior standout from Nazareth Academy in Illinois, has been crowned the Southwest Regional Baseball Player of the Year, a title that underscores his rapid ascent in the national baseball spotlight.
The honor comes as Thome sits at No. 37 on MLB.com’s prospect rankings, a placement that reflects a career built on a .422 batting average, a .522 on‑base percentage and a .742 slugging percentage over four high school seasons.
His statistical line also features 48 doubles, 19 triples, 18 home runs, 166 runs scored, 117 RBIs and 108 stolen bases, numbers that have drawn praise from coaches and scouts alike.
A Family Legacy Meets New Ambitions
Thome’s father, Hall of Famer Jim Thome, who now works for the Chicago White Sox and serves on the Nazareth coaching staff, has been a constant mentor, offering both technical guidance and a familial perspective that has shaped his work ethic.
Beyond the diamond, the 6‑foot‑3 shortstop previously played flag football and basketball, experiences that he says have honed his agility and competitive drive.
Committed to Florida State, Thome will join the Seminoles’ program next fall, a decision that aligns with his academic goals and the university’s strong baseball tradition.
Preparing for the upcoming MLB Draft scheduled for July 11‑12, Thome has been training with Bracey Performance, a specialist firm that has helped him fine‑tune his swing mechanics and conditioning regimen.
Teammates such as Cooper Malamazian, Jaden Fauske and Lee Milano have also played pivotal roles in his development, providing competition and camaraderie throughout a season that culminated in multiple individual accolades.
As the draft approaches, Thome remains focused on translating his high school success to the professional level, a journey that many analysts expect to be marked by immediate impact.