3/15/26 : Minor League Spotlight - RHP Tanner Gresham

On 8/13/24 the Phillies signed twenty-two year old RHP Tanner Gresham who played four seasons for Army in the Patriot League after seeing him pitch in three additional games for the Trenton Thunder in the MLB Draft League that summer (3.1 IP, 2.70 ERA, 7 K’s, 2 BB). Tanner had missed most of the 2024 year coming back from offseason Tommy John surgery but returned to action in late April and made five appearances. In 2023 he was the Patriot League Pitcher of the Year after going 5-1 in ten starts (59 IP) and posting a 2.90 ERA. Gresham was both a starter and reliever in his collegiate career - in total he pitched 124.1 innings with 117 K’s and 59 walks. His career ERA was 3.76. Tanner graduated from Hopewell High School in Huntersville, NC.

He told me back then that the signing agreement was that he would eventually participate with the Phillies as a WCAP (World Class Athlete Prorgam) member. He said it’s “essentially an active duty Olympian. I will play for the Phillies while serving active duty. Thus in the 2028 Olympics I will be eligible to participate as a member of Team USA. Playing for the Phillies will count as service time since I will be acting as a “liaison” to the military and baseball.”

However things didn’t come together as quickly as anticipated and Tanner was placed on the Phillies military leave list - he was officially activated on 1/19/26 when he participated in this season’s Winter High Performance Camp, Minor League Mini Camp and now Minor League Spring Training.

I was able to watch him in a live BP session on 3/9 - the now 24 year old had last pitched in 2024. Since then he’s prepped for his chance at becoming a pro when he’s had free time while serving in the Army Military Police. The Army First Lieutenant (1LT)  impressed in the session - threw strikes and had some pop - word is he’s touched 97 mph this spring in camp. On 3/13 he pitched against the Blue Jays in a minor league spring training game throwing a perfect inning with one strikeout - his fastball range was 93 to 96 mph as he threw 11 pitches - 8 for strikes - good stuff!

I recently corresponded with him about his baseball journey - here’s our interaction.

The last time we corresponded was in 2024 after you had signed with the Phillies - thoughts were that you would be able to begin your pro baseball career at that time - what caused the delay?

“After my signing in 2024, I was fortunate enough to have some time to attend the post draft camp for all rookies. Once we departed for the off season, my military career would begin. As a graduate of the United States Military Academy, only a few select individuals receive the opportunity to pursue professional sports. In that regard, those individuals defer their commission as Army Officers until their professional career is over. I was not on that list. Therefore, I had to attend the Basic Officer Leadership Course as a Military Police Officer. During this training I applied to the World Class Athlete Program. A very unique program within the Military that allows athletes at an elite level to train specifically for their sport with the ultimate goal to reach the Summer and Winter Olympic Games respectively.

The application was submitted in January of 2025, I continued my military service until being accepted into the program near the end of 2025. This journey has been long and definitely unorthodox, however, I am forever thankful to the United States Army and especially the Philadelphia Phillies for providing me the chance to continue my baseball career.”

How did you stay “baseball ready” during the time since you signed until you were activated as a player in January?

“During my time away from the Phillies, I was able to continue training at a local gym. Luckily enough there was an indoor batting cage inside that allowed me to continue my throwing programs, and maintain a high level of training. Through constant contact with the Phillies, I was able to train everyday. Throughout my time away I never missed a day of throwing or training. Luckily enough my colleagues within the Military were understanding enough to give me the time to train as any other Professional Athlete should. I was also able to find a few more baseball players from the local High School to catch bullpens during the spring and summer of 2025.”

Is the concept still that you are considered a “WCAP” and that your time with the Phillies also is credited as active military duty?

“As a member of the World Class Athlete Program, my responsibilities lie mostly with training and continuing to play within the Philadelphia Phillies organization. Moreover, I am still on Active Duty within the United States Army.”

You’ve been in three camps now with the Phillies beginning with High Performance Camp - how have you acclimated to the pro baseball regiment thus far?

“In terms of the regiment of Pro Baseball, acclimating came fairly quickly. I can attest my preparedness for HP Camp and Spring Training to my time in the Military. Although my military career may be short, my time at West Point and the year I spent away from the Phillies ultimately instilled a level of discipline that is hard to come by. Thus, the acclimation came easy. Plus having a dedicated routine is essential to success. I wish there was a way to describe my first day walking back into the facility. Lots of nerves but mostly overcome with excitement.”

I was impressed with your live BP that I saw and heard that you also had a strong first appearance in a minor league spring training game against the Blue Jays - what pitches do you feature?  How did it feel to get back into a competitive baseball game again?

“I think anyone in my situation would understand the nerves that came with returning to the mound again to face live hitters. Exactly 600 days since I faced a live batter in July of 2024. You tell me how you’d feel. I’m not entirely sure I even spoke many words that day until I was done. Not only was it my first live outing, it was the first time I had thrown in front of anyone here at the complex. There were a wave of emotions flowing through my head. Putting all that aside the only thing I could control was my effort and my attitude, regardless of the outcome of my first live BP session. In terms of my pitch mix, I feature a four-seam Fastball, two-seam Fastball, Cutter, Slider and Changeup.”

You graduated from Hopewell High School in Charlotte, North Carolina and went into the Army thereafter - was it a goal of yours to serve our country when growing up? On behalf of all Phillies fans we thank you for your ongoing service - at the time of your Army enrollment did you envision that an opportunity to play pro baseball might happen as well?

“Growing up in North Carolina, my father Kris Gresham, a former Pro Baseball player himself, taught me from an early age discipline, perfecting your craft, and most importantly how to play the game the right way. Ultimately this teaching came from his father, Richard Gresham. My grandfather, a United States Marine was an essential part of my childhood. From teaching me Golf at a young age, his experience in the military led me down a path of respecting others around me and being as disciplined as I could. After his passing in 2013, his memories will always live with me. After my commitment to Army West Point I knew that he was either angry that I chose the Army over the Marines or incredibly proud!

Choosing the Military came with being provided the chance to play baseball simultaneously. Not only was I fortunate enough to play baseball in college, it came with the promise to better myself as a human and serve my country after my college career ended. Furthermore, as I blossomed as a pitcher in college, the opportunity to play at the professional level came true with the Phillies. Regardless of the path I took to get to where I am today, I am forever thankful for the United States Military Academy for providing me the chance to serve my country and play the game I love at the same time.”

What are your goals for this season? Are you more comfortable as a starter or reliever or does it not matter?  How excited are you anticipating your first “official” game appearance as a pro?

“As far as my goals for this season, I plan to simply prove that I belong. Along with that, I plan to show up to the field everyday, ready when my time comes and put myself and my teammates in a position to win. While my hiatus was extended farther than I would have liked, now that I have returned I plan to showcase my abilities in the best way possible. If I could choose, relieving is my favorite, but no matter what I know I will always be prepared for any role that I am asked to partake in.

As for my first game appearance in the regular season, I think about it every night. The nerves will always remain, my excitement only grows with every passing day. While my previous Live BP Sessions and spring training games will prepare me for my first official appearance, I know a higher level of anticipation and adrenaline will come on that day.”

I thank Tanner for taking the time to correspond with me - he’s definitely one to follow as he progresses thru the organization and we wish him well.

Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️

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