Personal Statement
Dear College Coaches,My name is Matthew Mortrud but my friends and family call me Matty. I am a sophomore at Westview Junior-Senior High School in Topeka, Indiana. I was born on November 5, 2004, in South Bend, Indiana. I am currently 5’10’’ and 170 LBS. I am a right-handed hitter and thrower and am a true infielder; able to play any of the four positions. I've been utilized at 1B and 2B mostly. Love would be an understatement for how much the great game of baseball means to me. I have been playing this game since I was five years old. I believe baseball is more than a game. It teaches you life lessons. For instance, it teaches you how to show respect to umpires, the same respect that you need to show to your boss, parents, teachers, and anyone with authority. Since COVID canceled my freshman season I haven’t played a game yet in high school but I earned a varsity letter as my coach said I would have been the starting second baseman. Additionally, during my last two summer seasons, I have showed my talent on the field and proved I could play sophomores and juniors by starting almost every game at 1B and batting anywhere around the number six slot in the lineup.
I will do whatever I have to in order for my team to win whether that be cheering on from the dugout, laying down a sacrifice bunt to move a runner into scoring position or pinch running. In the off-season you can find me in the weight room four days a week, hitting, or throwing to prepare for the upcoming season. I love the grind of becoming stronger and faster. Baseball practice is more important than the game itself. If you are in a close game you fall back on your practice to get you through the situation you are in. My father taught me how to approach the game the right way because you never know when you put your cleats and jersey on for the very last time.
My father also taught me to be not just a low maintenance player but also a low maintenance student and employee. Low maintenance to me means keeping my head down, putting in the work I am asked to do, and not making a coach, boss, or teacher have to hound or yell at me to get my work done.When I’m not in school, doing my school work, or baseball-related things I will be watching baseball, hanging out with my two best friends, or enjoying my time with my family. My dream job would be to go pro but if that doesn’t work out I would love to either be a chef, a history teacher of some sort, or a sports agent. Baseball is my life but school still comes first.
Thank You for your time,
Matty Mortrud
