Triple Play Black UTIL Nathan Howard finds confidence is the key to success

By: Brenna Barkley

Confidence is the key for Triple Play Black UTIL Nathan Howard as he shows that poise on both sides of the field. 

“My mindset has been to be confident and stay focused and know that I can hit,” Howard told Five Tool after his games in the South Texas Regional on Friday. 

And hit he did. Howard went 4-5 with two triples and five runs batted in throughout the two games. He also was patient at the plate as he drew two walks.

“Today I was able to have a hot start at the plate and continued to hit and stay confident to get on base even more,” Howard said. 

.@tripleplay2005 Black’s Nathan Howard (@HankHoward12) wires the triple over the right fielder to bring across two more runs.

Vista Ridge (TX) 2023 #uncommitted pic.twitter.com/7H2bP1noNM

— Five Tool South Texas (@FiveToolSTX) June 4, 2021

His confidence carried over to the base path as he was able to swipe a bag as well. 

Howard puts in hard work on and off the field in the weight rooms by continuing to lift and get stronger as well. The uncommitted 2023 from Vista Ridge (TX) knows that if he can keep the confident mindset throughout his training as a whole then he can reach his baseball goals. 

As an Austin area native, Howard dreams of playing Division I baseball someday. More specifically, he hopes to stay and play for the hometown Big 12 team.

“My goals in baseball are to go play Division I baseball preferably at the University of Texas. I plan to continue to work on my craft and continue to work hard, lifting, getting stronger and faster,” Howard said. 

On the defensive side of the game, Howard played multiple positions through the day. He found himself at third, first and in center field. Howard also can pitch, although we’ll get to see him later in the week on the bump.

Being a utility guy gives Howard the ability to find himself on the field in all sorts of ways. With a hot bat, there’s no reason why he can’t continue to help the team in any way possible.

Howard and Triple Play Black will continue to find confidence on the field as they have two more guaranteed games in this weekend’s tournament.