Matthew Dean '21 Recruiting Profile

I have been playing baseball as long as I can remember. Since I have started, I only have grown to love the sport more. Baseball has taught me many things. One of the most important things I learned recently is to not be selfish. I learned this pitching in our regional championship game against future American Legion State Champs Swoyersville. I was pitching against an extraordinary team in a league with players returning after their first college season, while I had just finished my sophomore high school season. I threw the entire game, striking three batters out. The rest of the game I got by with the defensive work of my teammates. Despite us losing the game, I look back at it as one of the best games I ever threw. Instead of trying to blow the ball past everyone, I commanded my pitches and forced many routine grounders and pop ups. 

I find this game, and the team I played for to reflect me personally. At the beginning of the summer my goal was to simply make the team and help in anyway I could. Once I made the team I grinded to find my place and eventually I found myself starting in the championship where I would grinding each pitch. All season I dedicated myself to working hard to have the ability to play with these boys. Although we didn't win, I am proud of myself for this game, and we all will be pushing ourselves farther to win this coming season. I know where ever I up, I will push myself to benefit the team in anyway I can, and I can't wait to find myself in another championship in what ever role it is I hold.