Matthew Hittle '18 Recruiting Profile

Derek Jeter says, “ There may be people who have more talent than you, but there’s no excuse for anyone to work harder than you do – and I believe that.” I, too, believe that. Baseball has taught me discipline, perseverance, and commitment. From Little League on, I knew hard work would be the only way to sustain success in the sport regardless of the talent one possesses. Coaches often have described me as “a player with heart”, “coachable” and “versatile”. I’ve always been taught to be the first one on the field and the last one to leave, push hardest to be the fastest when running, and to warm up like it was the winning pitch. Learning every position was an important part of my baseball journey. Not only did it teach me to be flexible, it taught me to be needed. I never knew when a position would be needed and since I loved playing, I learned to be the player that could go anywhere.

My goal is to find a school that will not only offer the academic preparation I am seeking but also one where I can continue to pursue my passion for baseball. I am currently a junior in high school with a 3.54 GPA. Not only do I work hard on the field, I work hard in the classroom. I am currently in an AP class as well as a dual credit class. Although I have not fully decided on my career choice, I am interested in pursuing business, criminal justice and/or biology. I’m a member of the Criminal Justice Students Association in my high school. I’m a certified scuba diver and would be interested in becoming a volunteer rescue dive team member. I live in East Texas and have spent time pursuing Texas Tech University, Stephen F. Austin University, Sam Houston University, The University of Texas at Arlington and other various Texas schools. Out of state schools of interest are The University of Mississippi, Kansas University, Kansas State University, Oklahoma State University, Louisiana Tech University and the University of Arkansas. However, I am still researching potential colleges and open to many options.

Outside of school and baseball, I am an active member of my church where I serve as a Youth Leader on the church advisory board. I participate in Hunger For Love, a local ministry for feeding homeless under a bridge in our community and a participant in the United Methodist Action Reach Out Missions by Youth where we spend time mending homes, building ramps, painting, and other work for community members and citizens in need. As a youth leader, I also serve as a senior assistant for the middle school youth mission every summer. I also serve by assisting the Challenger Baseball Tournament where our local Little League holds games for disabled children in our community. I have served as photographer for vacation bible school, spoke to middle school youth on various topics and help at other local church ministry projects including video taping services for online viewers.

I am 6 foot 2 inches and 150 pounds. I run the 60 yard dash in 7.1 seconds and my fast ball ranges from 81-83 miles per hour. I currently average at least two strike outs per inning. As a high school athlete I was one of only four sophomores selected to play on our 6A Varsity Baseball team. I have been selected to play on the Dallas Patriots Premier Club team where I was a rotational pitcher and starting short stop. I was also selected last summer as a starting pitcher for the Extreme Prospect Club team traveling for The Perfect Game Series and The Diamond King Series. Prior to these teams I was a starting pitcher for the Dynasty Select team and The Curve Select Team. I also played short stop, third base, first base, and outfield. Currently I start as a pitcher and first baseman on our high school varsity fall team. My goal is to find a baseball program that will allow me to compete and where I can serve the team as a valuable team member. I am confident I have the talent to compete for a college team. My willingness to put in the work to refine myself as an athlete sets me a part from others. My passion for the game, my work ethic, my versatility and leadership will benefit any program.