Prep Baseball Report

Inside the Recruitment: '15 LHP Matt Fiorini discusses commitment to Lake Erie College





By Chris Kemlo
PBR Ontario Director of Scouting

Matt Fiorini, LHP, St. Maximilian Kolbe CHS, 2015

Matt FioriniPBR: Why did you choose Lake Erie College?

Matt: I chose Lake Erie College because it was a good fit for me both academically and athletically, Coach McGee has done a fantastic job with the program over the last couple of years and I have faith that this program can get even better.

PBR: Where did Lake Erie first see you compete?

Matt: I actually sent Coach McGee my recruitment video and from there he invited me down to the fall showcase that Lake Erie holds. I pitched pretty good that day and then the talks continued from there.

PBR: What role does coach McGee expect you to play during your first year on campus?

Matt: He expects me to come in and make an impact whether it is from the bullpen or from a starting role, personally I want to go and compete for a starting job.

PBR: What is your biggest strength as a player and how do you feel that will help Lake Erie?

Matt: I’d say my biggest strength is my work ethic. That will help me greatly at Lake Erie as I will continue to get better and work hard not only on the field but in the class room.

PBR:  What advice would you give to players about the recruiting process?

Matt: Be realistic with your playing abilities and where you can go to play college, also make sure academically the school is a good fit for yourself as college is not a four year decision, it’s a 40 year decision.

PBR:  What is your most memorable baseball moment to date?

Matt: My most memorable moment was going down to Georgia with Team O during the fall of 2013, that trip was absolutely crazy but a lot of fun.

PBR: Who has had the biggest impact on you as a baseball player?

Matt: Definitely as a baseball player my current coach Jason Booth has played a huge influence. He has been with me every step of the way with the recruitment process and I’ve learned a lot from him. One of the best coaches I’ve ever had.

PBR: Who do you play for in the summer and what was your most exciting experience?

Matt: I play for Team Ontario, my best experience this summer would probably have been at the Premier Baseball Senior World Series in Springfield, MO I got the chance to pitch against the Fort Worth Cats 18u team, I was able to hold my own that game.

PBR: Who is the toughest hitter you have faced in Ontario?

Matt: The toughest hitter I’ve ever faced is definitely Josh Naylor, he is so advanced with his hitting abilities it’s just tough pitching to him. We had a game on Victoria Day against the OBJ and I pitched to Josh, on a 3-2 fastball that painted the outside part of the plate he crushed it the other way for a home run, my catcher Dean Angelo and I just looked at each other and were in shock.

PBR: What are your goals both individually and for the team going into your final season?

Matt: Individually I hope to be able to command my three pitches for strikes more consistently, being able to throw them any time in any count, for Team O our goal is to win a world series, either the Premier or the NABF and I think we can do it.

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