BY KEVIN WOODRUFF

Montrose Area graduate Rich Thompson was featured on ESPN’s top 10 plays on Monday (Mar. 28) after making a diving catch for the Philadelphia Phillies in the outfield against the Houston Astros.

Thompson, 31, who is in his 11th year as a professional ball player and last last year played for the AAA Philadelphia Phillies affiliate Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs, said on Wednesday that he was “in the right place at the right time.”

“I just happened to be in the right game,” Thompson said. “It was one of only three games I played on the Phillies squad during spring training.”

Thompson said that while he and his family were flattered to see his catch on television, he doesn’t think it was his best catch ever.

“A lot of things just fell into place,” Thompson said. “But by no means was it the best play I’ve ever made.”

Aside from his leaping catch, Thompson said that he felt he’s had a solid spring training performance and looks forward to see what the upcoming season will bring.

“I felt like I was swinging the bat well,” Thompson said. “And defensively I felt good. I’ve been more aggressive on the bases this season.”

While the Phillies haven’t set their rosters in stone, Thompson said he would be satisfied to go back to the AAA Iron Pigs.

“It’s my goal to make it to AAA,” Thompson said.

Once rosters are set, Thompson said he looks forward to using the year to improve his swing and bring up his batting average.

“I hope to keep my average right around .300,” Thompson said. “I like the way things are looking so far.”

Thompson’s spring training concluded the middle of last week, and he said he’s looking forward to playing in games that count.

And now, instead of close to eight hours of work outs and practices per day, he will have games against International League rivals to look forward to.

“It’s much more taxing physically during spring training,” Thompson said. “And you start looking forward to playing in games that matter.”

Despite the tough workouts and hours, Thompson said that he enjoys spring training, as it allows him to get back to his passion of playing baseball.

The Iron Pigs start out their season on Thursday at home at Coca-Cola Park against the Scranton-Wilkes Barre Yankees.

Thompson said in the International League he hopes to get through April on a good foot, and take advantage of opportunities.

“I hope to try and run a little more,” Thompson said. “Take advantage of opportunities on the bases. I think 40 to 60 stolen bases this year would be a good year.”