Richards joined the Whitman coaching staff in August of 2016. His primary roles include leading the offense and infield units, coordinating the recruitment of prospective student-athletes, and developing and administering the strength and conditioning program. The program has improved win totals in every year of the Kitamura era, culminating in a 29-win season in 2019.
The 2019 Blues fielded .977 in conference and hit .283 with 56 stolen bases in route to the most successful year in the history of the program with an NWC tournament championship and NCAA regional birth. Designated hitter Kyle Reisman was selected to first team all NWC. Outfielder Jake Wishart was nominated to the second team, and Lucas Thrun garnered an honorable mention selection at first base.
The Blues fielded .969 in 2018 which was the second highest in the conference and highest of any natural surface team. On the offensive side of the ball, the Blues hit 21 Home runs which ranked fourth in the conference. Lucas Thrun was named first team all-conference at first base, and Joe Zimmer was named second-team all-conference at third base.
In 2017 the Blues fielded .970 which was the third highest in the league and first among natural surface teams. The offense hit .289 as a team which also ranked third in the league. Joe Zimmer was named first team all-conference as an outfielder. Adrian Vela was named to the second team at second base. And Lucas Thrun was named to the second team as a first baseman.
Prior to coming to Whitman Richards spent two seasons at Lindenwood - Belleville, an NAIA member institution in the American Midwest Conference. After a year as a graduate assistant, he was promoted to the full-time assistant position. In his two seasons at Lindenwood - Belleville he helped guide eight players on to the all-conference team. Additionally, centerfielder Christian Cavaness became the first player from Lindenwood - Belleville to sign a professional contract upon signing as a free agent with the Minnesota Twins in June of 2015.
Richards was a four-year letterman at Washington State University from 2009-2012 and was drafted in the 24th round by the Baltimore Orioles in 2012. After three seasons in professional baseball, he began his coaching career at Lindenwood - Belleville.
Richards has a bachelor’s degree from Washington State University, an MBA from Lindenwood University, and is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Tommy and his wife Jessica have two sons, Hank and George.
