Beyond the Ballpark: Tom's Tale
Tom Vaeth has been the Wild Things manager for the past three years but, when he’s not on the baseball field, he is an outdoors man and an avid sports fan.
Tom was born in Baltimore and spent his formative years in Sparrows Point, Maryland: “the most eastern part you can get up in Baltimore [that] butts up against the Chesapeake Bay.”
Tom grew up on the water. He spent countless hours fishing, crabbing, and even working on crab boats, which instilled his other passions.
“If I’m not on the baseball field [and[ on my free time, I usually try to be in a boat [or] in the water somewhere,” said Vaeth.
It might come as a surprise to some, but in his spare time, Tom does not follow baseball. The intensity of our season leaves little room for watching other baseball games, and when the Wild Things’ season ends, he turns his focus on recruiting for the next season.
That said, Tom is a huge sports fan and closely follows the New York Rangers during their season. His connection to hockey stems from visiting his grandparents while living in upstate New York and his 17 years spent in Canada, which have all contributed to his love for the sport.
Tom has a passion for traveling especially for fishing. He’s explored notable lakes such as Lake Okeechobee and Lake Fork. He’s also traversed through the South and through Canada, where he believes the wildlife and fishing is “tough to beat.” However, his ultimate goal is to fish in the lakes in Central Mexico, which are renowned for their world-class trophy bass fishing.
Tom was proud to share that one of his closest friends currently holds the title of Bass Master Classic Champion, which is a World Champion in bass fishing. Despite being unable to personally attend and support his friend due to his commitments to the Wild Things season, Tom closely followed along, cheering on his friend’s victory in Knoxville, Tennessee.
He chuckled as he referred to other types of fishing like deep-sea fishing and ice fishing.
“Unfortunately, I have [ice fished]… that is not for me. I did not enjoy that,” said Vaeth. “If you can picture squatting or sitting right next to your toilet bowl and dropping a line right in the hole, that big, that’s basically what ice fishing is. People think you freeze, I mean they have shacks and stuff you go in. They have heaters so it’s not really cold. Most of those people just do it to drink beer.”
His competitive nature extends to his fishing endeavors, but he sticks exclusively to fresh-water fishing. He’s even participated in a few fishing tournaments, emerging victorious in several small competitions along the way.
A dream vacation which doubles as an ideal place to live, converges on a vision of abundant open space near water and woods. It’d be a place where he can pursue his passions for hunting and fishing, all while enjoying the peace and quiet of nature. A cabin is a must for Tom
“[I] just can’t get into freezing and sleeping on the ground somewhere,” he said.
Without a doubt, if baseball weren’t an option, Tom’s career path would’ve led him into the fishing industry. He’s dabbled in guiding and has even worked as a sales representative for a lure and tackle company, all of which have only fueled his passion for fishing.
During the off-season, Tom’s home base is Washington, but he’s hardly ever stationary. He travels extensively to Florida, New York, New Jersey and beyond for scouting and instructional purposes. Throughout the winter he’s always keeping in contact with current players, looking for new players and even has been managing for the California Winter League for the past seven or eight years.
Tom’s player-centric approach shines through when he reflects on his favorite moments since becoming a Wild Thing. He highlights key milestones achieved by the players, such as Nick Ward as he represented the Wild Things in the World Baseball Classic and the Rookie of the Year awards earned by Ryan Hennen and Kobe Foster and other player signings.
One of Tom’s fondest memories is from the 2021 season when the team made it to the finals. He vividly recalls game five in 2021 playoffs, witnessing Rob Whalen, the first former big leaguer to play for the Wild Things, deliver a dominant performance against Equipe Quebec, which ultimately led the team into the championship series.
Game four of that FLDS was memorable as well.
“We were in an elimination game. If we would’ve lost, we would’ve been done, and we came back and tied it late in the game. We were able to push in a late run: we kind of stole the game,” said Tom thinking back.
He fondly recalls the post-game celebrations with the team, particularly when they clinched the playoffs in New Jersey and won division titles.
Moments later, he remembered when he received manager of the year in 2022.
“If my players weren’t very good and the team itself, I don’t get that,” he mused. “Those things are why we do this: to help them achieve their goals. To see the look on the face when you tell them their dream is coming true”.
Tom is all business when it’s game time. He reserves the goofing off for the locker room and bus trips. Between the lines, he’s focused and serious, embodying a tough exterior.
“I like to have fun more than anybody,” he said. “Don’t misconstrue my intensity and my focus on my job - I just try to be really focused on what I do because winning is important to me.”
He truly enjoys watching the fans have fun, especially when the Street Team pumps up the crowd, and everyone dances along to the Crab Rave, even adding that he believes the in-game entertainment in Washington is the best in the league.
“You have to set the tone for the team… if you’re all business and you’re committed to it then I think your guys will be as well and then good things will happen,” he added.
He understands thought that people aren’t coming or tuning in for the manager’s personality. They’re there for the players, game and entertainment.
A home field advantage is always preferable; but he firmly believes that a road trip in the beginning of the season is what bonds a team and creates the team mentality that they need to perform well.
“It’s the lifeblood of your team. There’s a saying: what happens on the bus or clubhouse stays on the bus,” said Vaeth.
Despite knowing it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, playing games like Mafia can be a fun way for the team to pass the time and bond off the field. The Wild Things skipper enjoys these moments and occasionally even requests them. It’s a chance for the team to relax, enjoy each other’s company, and build camaraderie beyond the confines of baseball.
From the laughter and the guys getting on each other, and ‘the skip’ (aka Tom), he enjoys that with a team.
“I love that stuff and that’s what brings a team together. It’s those moments. Like when they have the first team dinner we have, when we open up on the road together at the beginning of the year. It’s those kinds of things,” he said.
It’s just not always seen because he believes there is a time and place for those moments.
As the new season approaches, Tom is determined to cultivate an atmosphere where everyone, from the front office staff to players and fans, can enjoy the season to the fullest. Tom is committed to changing any impression of being unapproachable. He aims to build a stronger connection with everyone involved in the Wild Things’ community, ensuring that each individual feels valued and supported through the season.
His focus on the success and achievements of the players underscores his dedication to their development and accomplishment within the organization.
“My focus has always been where you are, where you need to be and who you should give everything to,” said Vaeth. “I am a Wild Thing and my whole attention is to be here as long as I can and win championships.”
When Tom isn’t on the road for recruitment, he calls Washington home.
If you spot him in the neighborhood, don’t hesitate to say hello or ask questions. He enjoys interacting with fans and is always willing to explain his process or answer any questions about the team.
“I’d like to get to know the fans as much as they hopefully want to get to know me,” said Vaeth.
Just know when it’s game time, he is focused and ready to manage a winning season.
