Coach Tom Burton

Tom Burton enters his first season with the NEA Wildcats as Head Coach of the 9U American team, bringing more than a decade of coaching experience and a development-first mindset. Although Tom came to baseball as an adult and did not play growing up, he has dedicated himself to learning, teaching, and growing the game for young athletes. This will be his 11th season coaching, having led roughly 35 teams across spring, summer, and fall leagues in Cal Ripken, New Balance Select, Perfect Game (PG), and Legion programs.

Throughout his coaching career, Tom has worked with organizations including the Londonderry Jr. Lancers, Southern NH Redwings, Post 27 Prep, and now the NEA Wildcats. He believes in building rosters full of well-rounded utility players who understand multiple positions and situations.

Tom’s philosophy centers on development and growth above all else. “When you prioritize improvement, the wins take care of themselves.” He teaches players how to give and receive feedback constructively, helping teammates support one another’s development while taking ownership of their own progress.

What Tom enjoys most is watching athletes grow—not just as ballplayers, but as good humans off the field. One of his favorite coaching memories is having the opportunity to coach two of his children at Dreams Park in Cooperstown, New York.

Off the field, Tom is an electrical engineer in the semiconductor industry. He enjoys hiking, swimming, cooking and grilling, and—most of all—relaxing in a hammock with a good book.