Tom Prince's journey in professional baseball began when he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the fourth round of the 1984 MLB Draft. A catcher by trade, Prince spent several years honing his skills in the minor leagues before making his major league debut with the Pirates on September 18, 1987. Over the next few years, he served primarily as a backup catcher, providing depth and reliability behind the plate.
During his tenure with the Pirates, Prince was known for his defensive capabilities and his ability to handle pitchers effectively. Although he never became a regular starter, his role as a backup catcher was valued by the teams he played for. After spending the early part of his career with Pittsburgh, Prince moved on to play for several other teams, including the Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, Minnesota Twins, and Kansas City Royals.
In Los Angeles, Prince continued to serve as a backup catcher, playing behind Mike Piazza, one of the era's premier catchers. His time with the Dodgers allowed him to experience the postseason, as the team made playoff appearances during his stint. Prince's role remained consistent throughout his career, providing veteran leadership and stability in the clubhouse while contributing when called upon.
After his playing days concluded in 2003, Prince transitioned into coaching and player development roles. He returned to the Pirates organization, where he began working as a minor league manager. His experience as a player helped him guide young prospects through the ranks, imparting knowledge and understanding of the game.
Prince's managerial career in the minor leagues included stints with various teams within the Pirates' farm system. His leadership and understanding of the game were instrumental in developing future major league talent. In 2016, he was promoted to the role of bench coach for the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he served under manager Clint Hurdle. In this capacity, Prince was involved in game strategy and player management at the major league level.
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