Power-hitting first baseman-outfielder who could also see action in the role of designated hitter in 2009 ... Was also one of the top prep basketball players in the state of New York during his high school career ... Competed during summer 2008 for the Danbury Westerners in the New England Collegiate Baseball League ... In 30 games, hit .274 with six doubles, a triple three home runs and 17 runs batted in ... Played for Team NY Cardinals in Oakland Gardens, N.Y., during summer of 2007 ... Hit .410 with five home runs and 32 runs batted in ... Named team MVP ... Selected by the Atlanta Braves in the 45th round of the 2007 pro draft.
SAN DIEGO STATE 2008
Appeared in 24 contests as a true freshman, starting on 13 occasions ... Made seven starts at first base, six as the designated hitter ... Did not commit an error at first base in 80 chances ... Hit his lone home run of the year against Houston on March 29 ... Most hits in a contest was two on three occasions (vs. 20th-ranked Oklahoma State, Harvard and Houston) ... The latter two came in back-to-back games ... Best day at the plate came in the contest vs. Houston on March 28 when he went 2-for-3 with two runs scored, two RBI and a walk.
HIGH SCHOOL
Played three seasons of varsity baseball at St. Dominic High School in Oyster Bay, N.Y. ... Coached there by Rick Garrett ... Earned all-Long Island Catholic League honors as a junior and senior ... Team captain his final two seasons ... Named to the all-county team at the conclusion of his senior year ... Also earned all-academic recognition ... Selected most valuable player of the junior varsity squad during his freshman season ... Played four seasons of basketball as a forward, earning all-state honors three times ... Team MVP as a junior and senior.
PERSONAL
Tarus James Thomas was born April 10, 1989, in Freehold, N.J. ... Son of Darren and Marlene Thomas ... Enjoys art and movies ... Favorite athlete is St. Louis Cardinal first baseman Albert Pujols ... Computer science major at SDSU ... Plans to pursue a career in professional baseball.