TCNJ

37 SPRING 2025 Mark Simon '97 first interviewed Tom McCarthy for a story for The Signal in 1994. (3) Peter Murphy specializes in portraiture and documentaries. His work has appeared in Wired, The Atlantic, and GQ, among others. (3) Extra innings: Mark Simon's first interview with McCarthy: tcnj.edu/simon The winning am Tom loves that Pat followed him into a broadcasting career. "I wish every parent could have the experience of a child who shares their interests as much as Pat shares mine," says Tom. Would the "grand slam" be that the two broadcast side-by-side for the same team someday? " I think that any opportunity you have to make more memories is worth doing," says Pat. "To share a mic, to share a passion, is the ultimate gift." ■ A friendly rivalry When the Phillies and Mets play each other, Tom and Pat often drive to the ballpark together and have the kind of father-son time they rarely get these days. The 2024 baseball season was great for both of them, as the Mets-Phillies rivalry included a trip to London ( both brought their wives and toured the city together) and a playoff matchup. Though the teams are rivals, that doesn't spill over to family relationships. "It was just so much fun to experience together," Pat says. The Mets beat the Phillies to advance to the League Championship Series, but Pat didn't rub it in. "He sensed my disappointment," Tom says. "But I was excited for him to get to broadcast on a bigger stage in the next round." 9TH INNING 8TH INNING

• Cover