By Kim Dunbar, Pulse Sports Editor

For Tom Cochran, this summer has been one to remember. Playing for a new team and in a new city, the 25-year-old Worcester Tornadoes pitcher has had the season of his life.

“I didn’t know what to expect coming into a new place with a new group of guys, but this has been the best year I’ve ever had playing baseball,” said Cochran.

Worcester acquired the Wilmington, DE native from the Washington Wild Things in January and Cochran has earned his keep. The successful season is also a first for the southpaw (as of the print date, he was a league-best 13-2). Cochran doesn’t recall ever winning more than ten games in a season. What’s his secret to success this summer?

“I’ve changed my mechanics a little,” he said. “Everyone has confidence in me, and that gives me a little more will to go out a little harder each time.”

Cochran also credits his coaches and manager Rich Gedman for his accomplishments on the mound.

“I’ve had my ups and downs, but I’ve stayed strong,” said Cochran, who suffered his first loss on August 5. “Coach has kept me positive.”

Like Gedman, Cochran was once a member of the Red Sox organization. He was taken by Boston in the 18th round of the 2003 MLB Entry Draft and spent two years pitching with Red Sox pitchers Jonathan Papelbon, Jon Lester and Manny Delcarmen. Cochran still keeps in touch with his former teammates. He goes fishing with Lester in the off-season and still talks to Papelbon (He insists that if the closer’s dog is anything like its owner, it probably did eat the 2007 World Series ball).

While a near-perfect season wasn’t originally on Cochran’s to-do list when he came to Worcester, he did set a goal to do whatever he could to help the team win, whether that meant starting, relieving, or even hitting. But Cochran is no Babe Ruth and is thankful he hasn’t had to pick up the bat this season.

“I used to hit when I was in junior college, but [I] tried swinging the other day and I looked awful,” he joked.

There is a lot of joking in the Tornadoes locker room this season.

“It is very rare to have an entire team of guys get along so well,” said Cochran. “I’ve been places where the guys don’t care about being there, but here, everyone loves to play and wants to do the job right.”

Cochran’s favorite part about playing in Worcester is hanging out with his teammates and watching them play. It helps him pass the time between scheduled starts.

“I do as much as I can to stay occupied,” he said about his off days. Cochran added that he and his teammates talk about life while passing the time in the bullpen on game nights. He makes it a priority to maintain a focus.

“I’m as serious as I can be, but you have to have some fun,” he said. “That’s what this is all about.”

Cochran loves to talk about all things baseball ~ everything except stats.

“I used to be a ‘stat rat,’ but that can mess with you,” he said. “I don’t pay much attention anymore. I just go out there and try to do a good job.”

He doesn’t care much about his impressive record or special recognitions like his June Pitcher of the Month honor either.

“You can win all the awards possible, but if you don’t have a trophy in the end, it doesn’t mean anything.”

In order for Worcester to go deep into the playoffs, they’ll have to continue their stellar play.

“If everyone plays to their potential, we will have no problem,” said Cochran. “We will do some damage.”

Cochran has even allowed himself to visualize the celebration.

“I can’t wait to dog pile everyone,” he said. “It hurts being at the bottom but it feels good to know you’ve won.”

Cochran said he wouldn’t mind being on the bottom of the pile because it would mean he was the winning pitcher.

“I just don’t want to break a shoulder blade. We’ve got some big guys on this team!”

It would certainly be the perfect ending to a very memorable season.

To support Cochran and the Tornadoes in the post season, which begins September 3, log on to www.worcestertornadoes.com or call 508-792-2288.