Standing 6 feet 5 and weighing 230 pounds, T.C. Williams pitcher Andrew Tovsky is an intimidating presence on the mound.
As a junior, the right-hander was the Titans’ starting pitcher during their biggest win of the 2015 season. T.C. Williams entered the Conference 7 tournament as the lowest seed after losing 10 of 12 conference games. Facing No. 2 Annandale, Tovsky helped the Titans pull off a 5-4 upset in a game that was played over two days due to inclement weather. The victory earned T.C. Williams a regional tournament berth.
Tovsky earned first-team all-conference honors in 2015 and received all-region honorable mention. Recently, Tovsky committed to play baseball at Elon University in Elon, North Carolina. The Phoenix compete at the Division I level in the Colonial Athletic Association.
Tovsky recently participated in a Q&A via email with the Gazette Packet.
Gazette: You just committed to playing baseball at Elon University. What made Elon the right choice for you?
Tovsky: They have a program in place for their pitchers that is very similar to what I do now, so the transition for me will be fairly easy. Academically, they have a wide range of options in various fields that I would be interested in studying, which gives me a lot of freedom when deciding a major.
Gazette: What position(s) will you play?
Tovsky: Pitcher.
Gazette: How, if it all, do you feel committing prior to your senior year benefits you?
Tovsky: It allows me to be able to not have to worry about the recruiting process and focus more on what I need to do to prepare to be successful at Elon.
Gazette: At what age did you start playing baseball?
Tovsky: 4 years old.
Gazette: Have you always been the "big kid" on the team, or was there a particular time you started to outgrow others?
Tovsky: I've been big pretty much my whole life and always seemed to stand out on all the teams I played on.
Gazette: How, if at all, do you feel your size benefits you on the mound?
Tovsky: It definitely allows me to get more momentum to the plate, which helps with velocity, but at times it can be hard to control all of my size.
Gazette: When did you realize playing college baseball was an option for you?
Tovsky: College baseball has always been a dream of mine, but I realized around ninth grade that it might be possible.
Gazette: What is the most difficult part of being a pitcher? What is the most rewarding?
Tovsky: It's difficult knowing that once the ball leaves your hand there is nothing you can do about what happens. It’s rewarding when you execute exactly what you were trying to do.
Gazette: What is your max fastball velocity to date?
Tovsky: 90 mph.
Gazette: How would you describe the feeling of beating Annandale and securing a regional berth?
Tovsky: It was really rewarding for all the guys involved because we knew we had earned a spot in the regional tournament and it was nice to see it come together.
Gazette: Do you have a specific game day routine?
Tovsky: Teriyaki beef jerky and fruit punch Gatorade is a must before every game. For my pregame tunes it has to be either Katy Perry or Kesha.
Gazette: What do you like to do when you’re not playing a sport?
Tovsky: My brother and I like to fish a lot.
Gazette: Are you a pro sports fan? Which team(s) do you root for?
Tovsky: I am. I root for the Nats, Wizards, and Caps. Not a huge NFL fan, but if I was it would be the Redskins.
Gazette: What location is the farthest you've traveled from the Washington, D.C metro area?
Tovsky: I've been to St. Barths, which is an island in the Caribbean.
Gazette: What’s your favorite food?
Tovsky: My Mom's sweet potato casserole.
Gazette: Who is your favorite music artist? Why?
Tovsky: Definitely Zac Brown Band, because of their unique sound.
Gazette: What is your favorite movie? Why?
Tovsky: “Interstellar,” because it blows my mind every time I watch it.