Matthew Stout '21 Recruiting Profile

Playing baseball has always been my passion. Ever since I was young, I have enjoyed everything about baseball- the team mentality, the focus and mental strength needed to play the game, and I especially love the grind. Like most things I realized early on that baseball isn't meant for everybody because you have to love the game to play it. To be the best and to get better you have to be that kid who goes home after the game and realizes "I popped out twice because I was dropping my hands". Then proceed to go and take more swings even after playing a whole game just so you can perfect your craft. My whole life I have wanted to play ball in college- it is one of the highest levels of baseball in most cases. I have always loved the hard work necessary for baseball. I love working hard because in the end you will achieve your goal. I am always looking to achieve my next goal, next milestone, and the next opportunity to challenge myself. College baseball is something I strive for because I look forward to the work I have to put in everyday to get better. I am excited to get up early to work out, then going to class and after that putting in more work on the field. I always welcome the opportunities to improve and better myself so I can continue reaching my goals.

There are many ways I see myself being an impact to a college baseball team. I can see myself in many different roles on a team, I can see myself starting in the lineup and producing consistently for my teammates and my coaches. I can also see myself coming off the bench in the 8th inning and laying down a bunt to advance the winning run into scoring position so my teammate next up has a better chance to knock him in. I have always looked forward to big opportunities to produce when my team needs me. I always look at it like I have a job to do, and there is no failing at that job because it is necessary for team success, even the little things. I believe I can be a leader on and off the field, always working hard in the classroom and weight room/practice and always motivating the people around me to be their best as well. I can fit a lot of roles on the field as well, I do not like to limit myself to one position I am very coachable and always open to try something new to better my game. Being a utility player is important because I will be able to step up in many roles whenever it is needed without hesitation. I will do whatever it takes to help my team succeed.

The college I am looking for would be welcoming, with passionate students in whatever they are trying to achieve and also it would have to be the right fit for not just me, but my family as well. I look to play baseball in college but I also look to achieve higher education. I want to work hard in the classroom along with working hard on the field. My hard work in the classroom so far has helped me achieve a 4.0 GPA, Honor Roll, and I was inducted into the National Honors Society. I hope to earn scholarships in my time from now till I enroll. I am not opposed to a small or large school although I do look for smaller class sizes and more personal style classes. I am looking for a college where I can be a part of the community as well as a baseball team that I can create special bonds with and call them my brothers.