My High School Baseball Career

[@CT99999]

Ah, I love the humility!

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks!!!

[@Rmilly12]

“I wasn’t the best player” Later says he’s one of the best players at his high school, in his state, and on the second best travel team in the country

[@carryeveryday910]

Was rated the #1 2nd base player and #27 overall prospect in 07. Was drafted in the first for a reason. Guess the Majors just was were he hit his wall.

[@bogeybear6237]

He’s modest clearly which is always good scout trait to look for, but he says he wasn’t the best player when he was younger.

[@skalty9868]

@@carryeveryday910injuries seem to have been a big deal

[@mateoosullivan4794]

Man casually says he hit 620 as a senior

[@TheUofAfan]

Junior, listening is key.

[@bneyens]

I hit 800 something... a couple guys played college and I got left behind. Oh well.

[@zdrizzle9136]

Bob Marley I doubt that chief

[@KingSoap-fy1oq]

@@zdrizzle9136 800 is nearly impossible. but i hit 464 freshmen year. 350 sophomore year (sophomore slump). 464 again junior year won awards. 421 my senior year. faced very good pitching in my area but i couldnt field a line drive worth a damn.

[@KingSoap-fy1oq]

@@bneyens if u hit 800 u were probably facing 50mph fastballs and hanging curves

[@brooklopez8034]

I saw u were football and hockey player of the year and 2nd in baseball in Massachusetts could you make a video on that? I’d like to know how that experience was for you? Tanks

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Will do!

[@leomatsuoka7625]

Brook Lopez sorry I don’t make videos on Matt Antonella

[@northeasthurricanes4807]

Matt, you were the toughest out not only in my HS career, but my entire career as a pro combined- best player I've ever seen- JA

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks Jeff! And you were the toughest to hit!

[@kingsslowpitchsoftball]

Gotta be Allison

[@williammorales3399]

If JA is Jeff Allison, he was one of the best high school pitchers I ever saw. Electric stuff and excellent control. Always thought both Allison and Antonelli would played in the majors for years. They were both studs.

[@RobertGarcia-lh9yx]

COME ON MATTTT! You gotta start earning some of that moneyyyy!! lol

[@BSCTrainerRob]

This cat was player of the year in MA for football. I was a really good MA high school fb quarterback and I have an idea of how impressive that is. He must have been an absolute stud, trust me

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks!!! Thanks for commenting and watching our stuff!

[@shannonwilliams1941]

Pretty cool that you acknowledge the people who have given at the end of each video!

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks!

[@Swoop187OG187]

Yea same here man I think from little league on like i only hit 5 homers.. But then I hit one that was a monster and people (scouts) thought I was some power hitter when I was really just a contact hitter....... I batted like .500 tho (a ton of walks)..... The only reason why I batted .500 is because I walked a lot I had a good eye and pitchers couldn't pitch to me..... But if you gave me a pitch I could hit.......... Pretty wild man - watching your videos brings back so much great memories I haven't thought about in years - it's been 20 years and you got me thinking about al these great memories..... I feel like picking up a glove again and joining a softball team or something..........

[@cameronfielder4955]

Walks don't improve average only OBP. A BB isn't counted at all in BA

[@logangregg9571]

I love your modesty. Obviously you were a very talented player.

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks Logan!! Thanks for watching our stuff!!!

[@Joe_Momma205]

Matt's agent: "Matt, better let me do the talking"

[@socialnetwerck]

I like the new lighting. Upping the production values I see.

[@_warren6659]

I grew up in enon, Ohio and I remember seeing the warhawks' van around town. I think maybe you guys lived/played close by, maybe even my old high school. this was back in '98-'01... small world.

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Very cool!!! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@johnryal]

Awesome video!!! Nothing like hearing it from someone who’s been there.

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks so much!!!

[@schaef2355]

Lol, you’re one in a million Matt. No other former pro ball players are willing to share their experience and take the time to reply to most of the commenters. Between that and the utter humility by which u carry yourself you’re truly a refreshing example 😁👍

[@schaef2355]

I got it for ya, “Thanks for watching our videos and commenting” 😂🤣😂 Even with a relatively stock answer it’s pretty neat, my son thinks you guys are friends since you replied to an earlier comment. Thanks for taking the time out of your busy life Matt, those little things can have such an impact especially on a little kid. Made his month, he tells his buddies about how you talk to him 👍😁 it’s really cute to hear. Best of luck in your endeavors

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thank you I appreciate that!!

[@dbach1025]

I shared with a buddy of mine whos son plays Div 2. They are hooked now too. Awesome job Matt.

[@raywalteroutdoors]

I see a lot of myself in you only I chose to sell my soul to the Army and attended a military academy where I wrestled. I was able to walk on at a D1 school a couple years later but again that military obligation got in the way. I'm proud I served but here I sit at 38 retired from the military and wishing I attended more baseball camps or did something to get my name better known outside of the state tourney but then again I'm proud I served and thankful they have 28+, 30+ and 40+ leagues to keep living the dream.

[@ryanokmin5062]

How good were you at hockey did you have any NHL potential or college

[@AntonelliBaseball]

College yes...not sure about NHL. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@nugloker8719]

Dude you were Massachusetts hockey and football POY and got drafted in baseball. Do you have a statue outside your HS????? Jerseys retired in a glass case???

[@jbvap]

I’ve really been enjoying your videos Matt. You seem like a great guy, a truly humble one!

[@bdigrino6809]

Modest young man.

[@Pavlovianmodel146]

Always love the videos, Matt, thanks for all the terrific content! I disagree with you on the DH rule: Exhibit A: Bartolo Colon smacking his only career dinger and lumbering around the bases. That was one of the coolest things to happen in all of baseball, and if NL went DH, it wouldn’t have happened! Seriously, though, it’s always something special to see a pitcher smack one out of the park. There’s nothing special about a good hitter who may not be such a great defender ( so ONLY bats) doing it.

[@Pavlovianmodel146]

I do agree with you that the DH position has extended some careers, though. But, I think that’s partially neutralized by the fact that you’d still keep the very best hitters around to pinch hit.

[@sk8terboi10003]

I think baseball is absolutely perfect with the DH the way it is and it should stay this way forever. I love interleague play and it forces teams to adapt. no other sport has this. and it's why baseball is the most beautiful sport ever

[@Pavlovianmodel146]

Geddy Scott I’m with you 100%! I was just saying I don’t want to see it in NL. AL can keep DH if it likes.

[@davidlamb1107]

Geddy I completely agree with you. Plus it helps to maintain a distinctiveness between the two leagues. Which is an awesome thing to have.

[@dbach1025]

Pierce Grob i agree. Its fun to watch them hit and the flip side.. being human. I prefer the NL game. Wish the Tigers would have played small ball to get the speedsters on base for the big fellas..of course this was before the rebuild. Happy when anyone gets on base now.

[@seanmadilly613]

Great video as always Matt. Keep it up!

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks!

[@william5365]

Can't call you tall?! Bro really. I'm 5'8 you cannot be complaining about 6'1. Nonetheless I love your channel. Lol

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Haha I wasn’t complaining, but tall in the MLB is 6’4 and bigger lol

[@davidlamb1107]

Ha! I was thinking the same thing. I looked it up. 6'1 is taller than 90% of American men.

[@jimmurphy9904]

With that style of play it sounds like my Yankees could use you in 2022. I’m calling Cashman! ⚾️⚾️⚾️

[@KMason-zn3sc]

Great video, Matt! Thank you for sharing!

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks!

[@forrestwebber7007]

Have you done a video on your opinion of weighted balls? Love the videos!

[@colincroft1722]

That's pretty cool man. I live right down the street from Storm Stadium.

[@jloiterer]

Love the vids wish pros in other sports would let us in on this type of info.

[@samshirel7370]

hey matt. love the vids. i'm a sophomore, and earlier in march, we had baseball tryouts and i was the last one cut from the JV team. What can i do to try to make varsity next year as a junior? (Juniors have to play varsity)

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks!!! I would look at your game or ask someone that is good at evaluating and see what parts need the most work and then get after it this summer and fall. Good luck to you!!!

[@joesmith9483]

there was no DH in high school. I was stuck getting one at bat per game since I couldn't field a position or run very well. I pretty much got on base every time and never struck out. Wish I had athletic ability to field though would've been more fun. The last game they put me out in the field and I could't do anything right. And I was thrown in right field. But I did make one good catch but bothced a few other plays. Did hit a home run in that game. Again too bad high school didn't have a DH.

[@DAatDA]

Varsity freshman year on a championship team sounds pretty elite to me.

[@ccmhockey96]

Matt did you ever consider playing junior hockey during high school? Did you have potential to play tier 1?

[@hiben6938]

I like you are humble but you were/are a stud Matt. Great content and keep up the good work.

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks!!! Thanks for watching!!!

[@joshuatraffanstedt2695]

You should make a video about the competition differences from high school to college, college to the minors, and minors to the majors. Thatd be a great, informative video, especially for these young kids getting drafted out of high school and college.

[@AntonelliBaseball]

I believe I have a video that kind of hits on that. Thanks so much for watching and commenting!

[@chrisvelazquez743]

Hey Matt. I'm hoping you see this and respond. So I'm an 8th grader playing JV baseball right now. I hit for a very low average but I hit a lot of hard hit balls. Almost half of my hits this season are extra base hits and have come close to Homeruns. I think by next year if I'm still in JV, I might have a few homers. So in the case that I still hit for a high average and low power, would it be a turn off for scouts?

[@karlbunge1359]

LolzPlayzGames my uncle is actually a scout for Illinois university baseball and it honestly depends. Nowadays, baseball is changing with what certain coaches are looking for. Some teams are looking for almost pure power but having good power and good average always helps

[@chrisvelazquez743]

I meant to say low average high power

[@AntonelliBaseball]

It depends. You will need to have some power to play at the next level. But power often develops later. Good luck to you!!

[@chrisvelazquez743]

Karl. b37 Thanks man

[@chrisvelazquez743]

Antonelli Baseball Thanks Matt

[@17Peloton]

I once read about hank Aaron having really strong wrists. I spent a few months swinging a small sledge hammer. That season I hit the ball so much further

[@Bigfella-_-]

Love your videos and what other sports did you play in high school

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks! Football and hockey. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@zachsegal7922]

I'm familiar with the Ohio warhawks, I okay for Midland out of Cincinnati. Did you ever play against them?

[@williammorales3399]

Nice a Midland Redskins former player Zach. I play for the Carolina Raiders in Puerto Rico and got to play against the Midland Redskins and the Black Swamp Classic and at the Connie Mack World Series. Midland has an amazing program.

[@joelaw4833]

I have a question on hats...how do MLB hats look like they fit so perfect, and when I go to a Lids or whatever, I look like a little leaguer with a foam hat? How do you guys get them to fit so perfect??

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Haha not sure, but I know they are really nice hats. That's probably part of it! Thanks again for watching!

[@mikesuzio2566]

Joe Law yeah same here with Lids hats the only hats that look good on me are under armour and Nike golf hats... adjustable ones not fitted

[@KOZombiesClan]

Whats up matt, keep up the good content man, could u make a video about the unwritten rules of baseball and what happens if you break them?

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks! Coming soon!

[@robertmormando237]

Did anyone you played with in high school go pro?

[@joshward1331]

Hey Matt can you talk about what your pregame routine was before the games and what did you eat before the games?

[@AntonelliBaseball]

I have a video on that I believe in our playlist. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@Michael-tk3vc]

How many students were in your high school ?

[@GSonDunn]

Matt how many kids were in your school / grade? Like how competitive was it to make the team? Thanks!

[@AntonelliBaseball]

We had around 1,200 boys total in the school. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@johnaroach]

Matt, kind of a stupid question, but how accurate was the movie Moneyball in terms of the handling the players being traded and being sent down? What is your experience?

[@mike8911]

Hey Matt can you do a video on your game day routine

[@AntonelliBaseball]

I have a few videos on it. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@schaef2355]

Damn you didn’t hit any home runs back in the day of the super juiced metal bats? That was the super juiced bat era, the Air Assault, the Reflex and more crazy ridiculously fast bats. Maybe you came just after, I graduated 01 and we had stupidly dangerous bats you’re only few years later but maybe too many kids had been killed by then. Either way I read that u were Mr. Hockey and Football and runner up in baseball so to say u were a decent athlete is a massive understatement bro, brag it up cuz u earned it

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Haha thanks! My senior year was wood bats in high school unfortunately lol. Thanks for watching our videos and commenting!!!

[@DannyPacheco-j6f]

If you had the opportunity of playing semi pro baseball after high school to sharpen baseball skills, why not do that instead of going to college ? Cuz in college wouldnt you be spending a lot of your time taking classes/studying rather than playing ball ?

[@dr.miller2854]

Very helpful info. Thanks

[@rslwannabe9475]

I'm a freshman. I hit pretty well for 5'9 128 pounds. I don't know if I'm any good at putting the bat on the ball yet or not, but I hit pretty hard. I'm not the kind that hits nukes to the fence yet or the one that hits left-right, and center. For the most part, I hit somewhere around 230 on average, but the ball comes off the bat with backspin and it comes off hard. I consistently hit line drives gap to gap. As soon as I gain some weight I should be pretty good. I also throw around 70mph for my 3rd year of baseball. All things considered, I should be pretty good after I gain some weight. I guess I'm done growing and I'm gonna be 5'9 forever though :( Basically, all my mechanics are up at the high school level, I just lack probably 40% of common baseball knowledge. Aka: Where to throw, when to go here, stand here, etc... It just doesn't click yet because it's not natural yet.

[@jackkelleher7271]

Hey Matt, just curious when did you start to get noticed and get D1 scholarship offers?

[@AntonelliBaseball]

I started getting recruited my junior summer of high school. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@jackkelleher7271]

Thanks for the reply. Big fan of yours.

[@marshallm967]

You didn't mention your high school class room work? Must have been an outstanding student to be recruited by the quality of schools you listed.....What kind of student were you? How important were your grades to you? I imagine Wake was a good fit for your personality as well small quiet school with an excellent academic program. My mother worked at Wake when I was in High School....I passed on free Wake Forest to go to NCSU better fit for my personality and my school work ability..hahaha

[@mnyankee4893]

Do you have any experience, stories, or comments regarding people playing with diseases or health concerns? I played catcher for 13 years and have had a heart condition my whole life. I’ve read stories of players with migraines and chron’s disease and such. Curious if that exists in the minors or majors.

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Played with a player in college that had churn's disease. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@bogeybear6237]

Matt didn’t realize younger he just needed to sit back and trust his hands, you may get fooled sometimes, and you’ll get beat sometimes, but you’re not Joe D and pitchers are way better now than when Teddy was pulling everything, brush it off. His hands and approach are present in video, mlb scouts saw it, I think Matt just needed to be more Manny, trust your hands and your instinct, work on your balance, sit back and expode.

[@tonyloyankees]

Did you have any offers to play any other sports at the college level?

[@majikmo2363]

If the Arkansas Razorbacks would have offered you would you have considered them? They are a college baseball powerhouse and the pride of Arkansas. Just wondering what you think of their college program or if you know about it.

[@majikmo2363]

Also have you ever played against Arkansas or a pitcher from Arkansas/ played with a professional player who played for Arkansas?

[@tedk2814]

I enjoy your videos, thanks

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks!!! Thanks for watching!

[@Hyperjohn78]

was the shaving requirement a ny Yankees (majors)thing only? or did I have to do it in the minors as well...

[@ryanm1732]

Minors too. He talked about it in one of his other videos.

[@amberbailey8241]

what about your football career? what position did you play?

[@adamkingston2231]

How many games do you guys in the states play in a high school season, in Canada we play like 15 games a season

[@michaelstein7510]

25 to 30 games is a pretty common number.

[@goldenspike18]

Is the black and gold color scheme paying homage to Wake?

[@Darrentrainor]

Did you ever feel coaches loose confidence in you when you continuously hurt your wrist? Did you ever have coaches throughout your playing career put a ton of pressure on you to play through injuries? Could you comment on your experiences if you have had any with coaches that question a player's "toughness" or "mentality" if they are injured?

[@Angeldnavac]

Im 15 years old i throw 80mph is good?

[@dipsomaniac124]

I was wondering if you ever slid into second with a stand up triple?

[@charliedafner1261]

Will you please do a review on catchers gear that is best 4 baseball

[@AntonelliBaseball]

I don't know a ton about catching gear, but can try. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@dbach1025]

I hit a homer finally senior year and i stunk after that for awhile. Not saying that would have happened to you, but it could have been a blessing not going yard in HS.

[@schaef2355]

D Bach negative, chicks dig the long ball and nothing else matters in HS

[@dylanwallace2031]

Do you get sad when you think about getting let go

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Maybe a little, but I knew it was time lol. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@dylanwallace2031]

Antonelli Baseball you seem very humble

[@thedebatehitman]

Antonelli Baseball You’ll always enjoy the prestige of having played in the bigs.

[@ObiWanKenobi]

Wasn't the money tempting as an 18 year old?

[@AntonelliBaseball]

For sure, but I'm usually pretty good at looking long term. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@Gus10271]

I’m not really first but someone’s got to comment first

[@brandonpowell3254]

Gus10271 true

[@Portapottypossum]

This guy was a stud

[@marcuslinder8779]

Do you think you could hit the ball 300 ft in 8’th grade

[@AntonelliBaseball]

No I could not. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@erichkiparski314]

Bats .620, “I didn’t get a lot of hits.”

[@AccusedBread]

Did you play with or against any future MLB players in high school?

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Yes lots. My summer ball team had a decent amount of MLB players. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@y.sasuke451]

okay you were pretty damn good as a highschool player chill

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Haha I felt pretty chill. Thank you for watching!!

[@williammurray3462]

How about a call out to the Prep.

[@thomassullivan5309]

What school u go too in Boston?

[@japkor4115]

Anybody know what high school he played at? I played in mass last year

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Played at St. John’s Prep

[@djtoman6875]

Cool, my nephew went there!

[@nowellclay1283]

yea someone near me was told mid late first round early 2nd round but went to the 33 round

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Haha! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@nowellclay1283]

then went to miami hurcaines for college

[@ao2wizard653]

What was ur average sophomore year

[@hadddt777]

Hi Matt quick question have u ever played against chipper jones? If so how was it? Thanks

[@AntonelliBaseball]

In spring training one year. I believe it was his last year. It was great to see him go about his business. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@rickye4253]

What division was your High School?

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Division 1 which is the biggest for our state

[@joshleonard9311]

Let’s not kid ourselves he was a stud.

[@kyleh503]

dude, batting .600 in hs is crazy good. don't undersell. i know there are guys who are MLB regulars right now who didn't hit anywhere near that in hs.

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks!!

[@898hyyjn5]

Did you ever consider playing football in college?

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Nah not really! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@TheGoldenGreek21]

What can you tell us about the other star Massachusetts prepster, Jeff Allison? What kind of pitcher was he?

[@AntonelliBaseball]

One of the best I ever faced! Thanks for watching!

[@coolkid-cp7dq]

Some Hs team man, 2 state chisp

[@dannycorcoran8119]

Anyone else here from the trivia

[@sewerswan8422]

Like the videos dude, but I feel like I've already seen too many videos so all the stuff you're saying I already knew about lol

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Haha!! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@nowellclay1283]

they probably told you 5th round if you didt go to college but you were drafted 19 round because they new you were gonna go to colleges

[@AntonelliBaseball]

For sure! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@DWeirich76]

Q: Is it easy for an ex MLB player to pursue another baseball related career i.e. coach/umpire/announcer? If so, is this something you have considered? I think these guys make pretty decent money.

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Coach yes. Not sure about the other stuff since I haven't tried. I do think being in the game helps with other jobs in the game.

[@colequinn10]

Bro you were insane in high school what are you talking about.

[@jackhammer9016]

I’m in 8th grade and play JV

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Good luck to you!!! Thanks for watching!!

[@TylerMillsaps]

I used to be just like you Where I’d take pitches work the counts, work walks from 0-2 counts, etc. but since I’m a 3 hole hitter for my middle school varsity team they made me start swinging at first pitch and be more aggressive witch is giving me more solid contact but I feel is hurting my batting average

[@AntonelliBaseball]

They tried to do the same to me, but I was much better as a 1 guy. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@chrisbaker2669]

If you could hit .629 in the pros you would be first ballot hall of famer.

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Haha for sure!!!

[@dxraaaaa]

I'm a HUGE Dodgers fan... Your biggest mistake was NOT signing with the Dodgers. Your career could've easily rocketed off!

[@tayji5132]

im also a dodgers fan, but you do realize he signed with the pads for almost 2 mill right?

[@aaroncohen6317]

may plate crate unboxing please.

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Coming soon!

[@hunterwalsh6756]

No one: Matt: I get asked this question a TON

[@reliablethreat23]

Hey Matt I found this video of you hitting a nice RBI double against the Mariners! kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKnQcnWohsR8edE

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Remember this one! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@gjohhh7319]

reyey