USA Baseball recently caught up with 2019 Collegiate National Team member Tanner Allen, who has had a wealth of success at the collegiate and professional levels since his time with Team USA. The following is a Q&A to reflect on his time with and after Team USA.
Q: As a part of the 2019 Collegiate National Team, do you have a favorite memory from your time with Team USA?
A: "My favorite memory being a part of the 2019 Collegiate National Team was being able to play against Japan in the championship game. They had the stadium packed out, and even had a live band playing music the entire game. I felt like I was at an Alabama football game in Bryant Denny Stadium. We ultimately ended up losing the game, but the experience playing in that atmosphere was something I will cherish the rest of my life."
Q: When you went to Taiwan and Japan, was that your first time out of the country? If so, what was it like to experience another culture through baseball?
A: "I was able to leave the country for the first time during my time representing Team USA. It was a unique experience that I will never forget. All the people were very nice and respectful. They treated us like rock stars, and I can even remember a lot of Japanese people waiting outside of our hotel at 2 a.m. wanting to get an autograph when we arrived. The bus rides were special as well; I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the countryside."
Q: What was that feeling like the first time you stepped foot on the field in a Team USA jersey?
A: The first time I stepped on the field with the red, white, and blue on was truly humbling. Being able to have my name associated with so many greats before me is something that I am proud of. The only thing on my mind was to do whatever necessary to make my country proud. Q: What have you been up to since your time with Team USA? A: After my time with Team USA was over, I continued to play baseball for Mississippi State. I was blessed with a very successful career by being a three-time All- American, SEC Player of the Year, National Player of the Year, and most importantly 2021 National Champion. I’m currently chasing my dreams of playing in the MLB with the Miami Marlins. That being said, I feel it’s my duty to help and guide the next generation of ball players, so I have created an online hitting course (Tanner Allen Baseball) to help anyone who needs it. Eventually, I plan to add onto it and help young guys get recruited and play Division I baseball.
Q: Do you think having the opportunity to play with and against some of the best players in the world with the Collegiate National Team helped in any way towards contributing to Mississippi State’s 2021 national championship title?
A: My time with Team USA in 2019 definitely helped prepare me for the national championship run in 2021. Playing in front of thousands of Japanese fans against their best players prepared me to play in the big moments. Being able to slow down and breathe in the big moments is the key to winning championships.
Q: With your business, what made you want to start it and how gratifying is it to be able to give back to the game of baseball through it?
A: The business I have started is all about helping and molding players into champions. The reason I’m doing it is because I had unbelievable coaching at a young age, and it helped separate me from everyone else in the long run. I know a lot of great coaches out there, but I’ve lived and succeeded at the level that every kid dreams of making it to one day. My family and I cherish those memories of Team USA and Mississippi State, and I would love for the next young players coming up to have the same memories as I have.
