Tommy Pham finds a home in Kansas City

Tommy Pham wasn't planning on ending up in Kansas City this year, but here he is, and it seems like he's found a place that fits. The Royals didn't hesitate when they acquired him from the Cardinals in late August. They knew what they were expecting: a fierce competitor who wouldn't let age or circumstances slow him down. At 36 years old, Pham still puts in the kind of effort you'd expect from a rookie trying to make the team.

“He’s constantly working, wanting to perfect his craft and it’s obvious he wants to win.” says Royals GM JJ Picollo of Pham.

That's exactly what Pham is. During a recent practice at Yankee Stadium, It wasn't even planned for him to throw a punch, but he was in the box making sure his momentum was where it was supposed to be. It is this kind of intensity that is noticed by the people around him. His manager Matt Quatraro sums it up: “He is a great worker, tireless. For someone who's been playing for so long, that's not always the norm – his willingness to make some changes and listen to suggestions. He plays extremely hard all the time.”

It's a trait that his teammates also notice. It didn't take long for Pham to make a name for himself in the Royals' clubhouse. Right-hander Michael Wacha, who has already crossed paths with Pham, knows the energy he brings. That type of attitude is contagious on a team like Kansas City's. full of younger players still figuring out how to navigate the ups and downs of a long season.

When Pham moved to the Royals, it wasn't just because of his bat. they wanted Someone with postseason experience, someone who can lead by example as the lights grew brighter. This is Pham's fifth postseason with his fifth team. Just last year he helped the Diamondbacks reach the World Serieswhere he hit .421 in a tough series loss to the Rangers. He's no stranger to October, and that experience paid off again when Kansas City took on the Yankees in Game 1 of the ALDS. Pham went 1-for-3, driving in the Royals' first run on a sac fly from Gerrit Cole. It wasn't enough to win, but it's clear why the Royals wanted him by their side in those moments.

But as he helps the team push deeper into the playoffs, Pham is quick to admit This year hasn't been easy. Switching between three teams – the White Sox, the Cardinals and now the Royals – has been a real challenge. He didn't sign with the White Sox until mid-April, and that delay cost him money. It took him spring training to adjust the lens he uses for keratoconus, a condition that affects his vision. Without this crucial time, It took him longer to get used to the plate and his numbers reflect that. For the year he hit .255 with 27 RBIs.

“Three teams are tough,” says Pham, looking back on the season. “You’re a new teammate and you want to contribute so much. I didn’t have a good year.”

The frustrations were there, especially after the Cards were traded back to the Cardinals. Despite a strong start that included a close Grand Slam, Pham didn't get regular playing time. He didn't like it. He went to John Mozeliak, the Cardinals' president of baseball operations, and asked for a waiver. Pham wanted another chance in the postseason, and Kansas City gave it to him.

“When I called Tommy just to say, 'Welcome to the organization,' he said, 'Hey, man, what took you so long?'” Picollo recalled with a laugh. This is classic Pham – straight to the point, but always ready for action. And for the Royals, he was more than a solid addition.

Pham seems content in Kansas City and is happy to be part of a young, hungry team. “I was very happy,” says Pham. “I thought this team would compete like we did. We are such a young, energetic team that it would only make me better.”

It's not clear where Pham will end up after this postseason, but he's not done playing yet. He's still in great shape, still believes he can steal bases, still believes he's got a few more years left. He will be a free agent after the World Series, but Kansas City could be a good fit if they are interested in keeping him.

“I want to walk away without regrets” Pham says. “I have to show them that I can still make a big contribution. So I will do my best to prove it.”

This winter, he will travel to the Dominican Republic to play for Leones del Escogido in the Winter League, He is working on refining his game and adjusting his vision. Pham isn't the type to let down, and his past suggests he's far from done making an impact, whether in Kansas City or elsewhere.