CENTRAL JERSEY REBELS

Matt, a lifelong resident of Hamilton Township (Mercer County) grew up playing baseball in local recreational leagues until attending Steinert High School (1998-2001). During his Senior year at Steinert, Matt began the recruiting process and gained attention from Major League scouts. In June 2001, Matt was drafted in the 11th round (320th overall) of the 2001 MLB Amateur Draft by the Philadelphia Phillies.

Matt played 8 seasons (2001-2008) of professional baseball appearing in 193 games and pitching 724 innings. He spent 6 seasons with the Phillies and pitched as high as class AA (Reading Phillies). After becoming a free agent, Matt played for teams in the Atlantic League (Newark Bears-2007/2008, & Bridgeport Bluefish-2008), and in the Carolina League (Salem Avalanche-Houston Astros, 2007) until he sustained a career ending shoulder injury which led to his retirement in 2009.

Since retirement from professional baseball, Matt has coached youth national and travel baseball teams, facilitated coaching seminars, hosted camps, coordinated team training sessions, conducted pitching clinics, and developed a throwing program that teaches players how to approach the game with proper mechanics and mental strength. Most recently, he became co-owner of the Central Jersey Rebels/Trenton Thunder Baseball Academy which provides baseball opportunities for local and surrounding communities for players ages 6 to 17 years old.

Matt’s passion for the game of baseball and teaching helps the players of tomorrow set and reach their goals. His experiences as a player and player developer have provided him with the skills and mindset/motivation which he continues to pass along to players who are looking to take their skills to the next level. Creating a supportive yet competitive environment based on personal physical, mental, and emotional growth is at the forefront of his approach to developing players. Matt hopes to be a positive source of information to all players and families.