My Thoughts on Baseball Politics

[@sarahc7824]

My son has a saying ... “I’ll practice until they notice me.” Hard work will eventually get you noticed!

[@AntonelliBaseball]

I love that! Good luck to him! Thanks for watching and commenting!!

[@Ohtheregothatboi]

This is a nice mindset but unfortunately isn’t always true I lived it

[@bigtalk2598]

Naive but laudable. I would encourage him to continue to work hard, but the reality is politics in baseball is a real thing.

[@hunt555fish]

Some of the best advice I have ever heard on this subject.Yes it is a fact of life in many areas.You handled it in the best way possible.Great advice Matt.

[@VileVengeance]

Politics are TERRIBLE. Parents can be terrible as well. We had a kid that we drafted in Minors (Little League) that only played baseball for 1 year prior to that. Turned him into one of the best relievers in the district that year. Our team went 13-3 and we ended up picking him up for the All Stars- again, he killed it in All Stars against all these kids that play travel ball year round and he's only played one year of baseball. He threw heat and had a nasty arm angle- kid was bulldog. No fear in him at all, especially in big situations. I took the next year off from coaching (I don't have any kids in the league yet) and he made the All-Star team again that year. The following year that I came back, we were picked to coach the 12U All Star team again and his mom was PISSED that he didn't make it. The problem was he *didn't* progress, at all..... I love that kid but we're honest with our players. His brother was the best shortstop in the district, kid had the best hands and footwork that I've seen in Northern California (At the time.) His mom yanked him off the All Star team(the short stop) because his brother didn't make it. He came back after some talks and conviction but missed a full week of practice. It was a bad situation all around Matt

[@AntonelliBaseball]

I agree!!! Good luck to you!! Thanks for watching and commenting!!

[@stevedoe1630]

Matt, really appreciate your “stiff upper lip, gritty” approach to criticism and politics. Obvious that this has served you well. REALLY hope you can inspire others to look inwards for self improvement instead of blaming the rest of the world. Great message. ¡Thanks!

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks so much!!! Thanks for watching and commenting!!

[@clinton118]

I’ve only ever played cricket my entire life, but your videos make me wanna try baseball while I can still run and throw.

[@archiethorpe6628]

Clint On Same thing. I live in the UK so there’s not many teams or any sort of coaching about.

[@CruceEntertainment]

I’m American and lived in UK for a year when I was younger. We had a lot of fun trying each other’s sports. We speak a similar language, but definitely into different sports!

[@stevedoe1630]

When things get confusing with politics, just remember the quote from Bull Durham movie... You throw the ball. You hit the ball. You catch the ball.

[@AntonelliBaseball]

True!!! Thanks for watching and commenting!!

[@mikezorovich357]

Really enjoy your channel. My son was victim to politics and turned frustration into motivation. Moving from town to travel ball taught him the appreciation for earning your play time and taking advantage of every opportunity no matter how small. Now he's doing both leagues and letting his play speak for him. This video hits close to home and I'm happy to see he's got the right mind set.

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks!!! Good luck to him!! Thanks for watching and commenting!!

[@michaelcampbell2373]

Matt before you got drafted.what team did you want to go to. And what is your favorite team

[@pingi223]

red sox

[@AntonelliBaseball]

My favorite team was the Red Sox, but now I don't really have one. Thanks for watching and commenting!!

[@mraycgz]

Antonelli Baseball come back! Red Sox nation brother!

[@AS-is4dt]

i was never an amazing player or anything but i definitely worked hard. when politics messed with my playing it really upset me and i really let it get to me for the rest of the time i played. I was always looking down on myself after that. you have great insight and I hope kids who experience the same can see this video and understand that you gotta use it as motivation.

[@ladscrimpton8590]

That's a really good attitude and mindset that you had. Incredible that you could be that positive at such a young age. I definitely want to adopt that attitude in my job, even though it isn't baseball. It's such a good mindset to commit yourself 110% to whatever you're asked to do.

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks!!! Thanks for watching and commenting!!

[@madeconomist]

I think you had exactly the right attitude, and that is why you made it to the majors. I also agree with your statement that sometimes things that people think are politics really aren't politics. I coached in youth leagues for about a decade and some parents always think their kid is the best on the team. Or they assume that if the coach's son plays that is because he is the coach's son. I had two sons that I coached. One of them, the younger one, was a good athlete but not very fast. He could pitch, catch, play 1st, 3rd left and right. I never put him at short, 2nd or center. My eldest son was not a good athlete. When he played it was in right, or sometimes 1st or pitcher. As a pitcher he wasn't dominant, but with a lot of practice in the back yard, he became respectable. I remember one time in a Babe Ruth 9-10 all star tournament, I coached and my younger son was on the team. The league we were in was really weird and some of the players on our team had played up a level so many of the parents didn't know me. Anyway, with two outs and runners on late in our first game, I put my son in to pitch in relief. I could hear parents in the stands saying "Oh, he put his son in." After he struck the batter out on four pitches I didn't hear any more talk when he pitched. I never coached so that my sons could play. I coached so that all the kids could play. And I tried to get everyone a chance to have success by using them where it seemed to me most likely for them. I took some heat for that, too. But I still think it was the best thing.

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thank you!!! Thanks for watching and commenting!!

[@mfrankel8321]

Brilliant story of dealing with politics. Matt is a winner...and everyone who watches this video and takes his comments to heart will be winners as well.

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks!!! Thanks for watching and commenting!!

[@glennshepard4593]

Our hometown team put together a 10U tournament team but purposely excluded my son due to politics. He faced them playing for another team and pitched 3 shutout innings, and had 3 RBI. A mom from that team asked me why my son wasn't playing for them. I said, "Go ask your coaches." Their team went winless that year and quickly folded. My son continued to play for his new team until Covid. Being passed over because of politics and having an opportunity to play for another team was the best thing that could have happened for him. It taught us to look for coaches who have integrity and the best interests of the kids in mind.

[@JDubya.02]

Hey Matt, can you do a video on how away games work in college baseball?

[@calebmullenax1332]

JW DeSilver Same as an away in high school really. Just way nicer busses and hotels. We usually arrive about 4 hours before game time to start getting ready. We typically eat on the way to the field. Then on our way back to either the hotel or home we stop and eat as a team.

[@oldcop18]

One day in the Bigs would have been a dream come true for me but I was never good enough. I think your attitude is admirable Matt.

[@stimsingh9361]

thanks for this video. We are new to our town for last 3 years. My son is the best pitcher/fielder/hitter (data based). The Little League 'administrator' coaches are terrible, and load the infield with their kids. Pitching is also daddy-ball. They teach nonsense 'chop down, stay back, loag' jargon. LL team was totally embarrassed in a recent district tournament 10-0, and 7-8 against the bottom seed. Refused to pitch my son (the best pitcher in LL/travel) because we needed 'lock down defense'... just so painful to deal with the politics of baseball. Solution: more tennis tournaments for my son...

[@TheTEN24]

Dealt with baseball politics in high school wish I didn’t let it get to my head. Great vid, it’s most certainly a thing.

[@mraycgz]

Politics suck. Parents sometimes get focused on only their son. For instance, I coach a 11 U team. We have a kid that is a beast player. He absolutely should be at shortstop. But he’s our best catcher. If we don’t have him behind the plate we have a ton of passed ball, dropped third strikes and no chance of throwing out runners. We have another kid that is almost as good at fielding and throwing playing short. Now the catchers dad is furious that his boy mostly catches. What is best for the team is him catching. He’s a beast like I said. But it causes problems. Meanwhile my son is not a starter and is lucky to get 2 innings and an at bat every game. And I’m the coach. Why? Because that’s what is best for the team. Politics suck and sometimes parents only see their kid.

[@mancaveandgaragedesignsrec1492]

The topic is high school, little league it’s unavoidable

[@mraycgz]

@@mancaveandgaragedesignsrec1492 well your so late that they’re IN high school now.

[@MoniqueTrentREALTOR]

The politics my son has faced have only made him a better player. He has to work that much harder to be able to play. Affirmative action in college admissions has done the same for my daughter... She's been an exceptional student, knowing the challenges she'll face to be accepted to the college she chooses. It's difficult to explain this to kids; however, once they understand the advantage is truly theirs and accept the mindset, they're unstoppable ❤⚾

[@somfmusic1723]

Back when I was like 11 years old, I played on a team where like 3 of the kids had dads that coached, and all their friends were on the team as well. I was sitting like 2-3 innings per game. One of the sons had to sit an inning and I remember him saying "dang, this is my 3rd time this season I've sat out" I just laughed, it was like my 2nd or 3rd time sitting that game. I had played from t-ball all the way up to that point., but after that season I was so discouraged, I never played a game of baseball again. Honestly it ended up being a blessing in disguise, I went on to play Water Polo and won two CIF championships with my high school team, and played in college. But I still think about how stupid politics basically ruined a sport that had ,up to that point, brought me so much joy.

[@chris42690]

My situation is exactly the same. I had seasons where I led my team in doubles and never made an all star team. I always always batting 8 or 9 and was constantly put in the out field. The all star teams consisted of the 4 coach’s kids from each team and maybe 1 or 2 really talented players. I just gave up on the sport all together. I picked up golf and it was one of the greatest decisions of my life.

[@thefruch7588]

Same honestly I just now got back into baseball 20 years later. Politics like this in Any sport ruin it for people

[@jeffpeterson7601]

Hi there Matt, I am enjoying your channel, I find your content very interesting, and I think you are really likable and very knowledgeable on baseball. Thank you and keep the great content coming!

[@gregh2322]

I'm experiencing it now with my 10 year old son playing on a Little League team. He's probably the best infielder on the team and also a good pitcher. The coach now wants him to play catcher. It's a dead end position at that level if you can run, catch, and throw and you want to develop your skills.

[@kevinfielding5826]

Your right on !!! Thats my advice to my own children or other parents and ive been coaching high school baseball 20 years and have vs peabody high several times haha. Lawrence high school!!!

[@DChappelle27]

Good stuff man. Be the best player you can be.

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thank you!! Thanks for watching and commenting!!

[@KingSoap-fy1oq]

LOVE your channel ! im old an washed up now (mid 20s) out of shape but when i was younger if i wanted it...mmwho knows....

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks!!!! Thanks for watching and commenting!!

[@kennyjohnson2771]

Politics are terrible however they're part of life. All you can do is be the best. I tell my sons, they can't never keep a good man down. I think Matt's way of dealing with Politics is the best way. If you make noise it can only make it worst.

[@AntonelliBaseball]

I hear you with that!

[@beasymando4225]

Thanks Matt, I agree 100% just to add to that if ppl choose to leave team there is politics everywhere and it’s easy to look at the grass is greener. I respect your drive and opinion on this matter. Thanks again, take care✌️

[@johnwakamatsu3391]

I have know some players that should have played in the majors but, played behind a Hall of Fame player and never got any playing time. I know you will always have politics and be good enough so they have to play you. I remember hearing Cody Bellinger say that he was going to play with Dodgers for a few weeks and then be sent back down but, he hit enough home runs and became the rookie of the year.

[@Mike-cy5jg]

That looks like a pretty sweet swing set and climbing wall.

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks kids love it! Thanks for watching and commenting!!

[@Mike-cy5jg]

@@AntonelliBaseball haha! In all seriousness, great video. 👍🏻

[@danielrodrigues2041]

My son hasn't pitched more than 4 innings this year in a single outing because the coach said he's the best pitcher on the team and he wants to limit his innings so he can use him more often in more games. He's 14 and he gets frustrated at times when he doesn't start, or gets pulled early. Most games he pitches good, but at his age pitch count is a major concern, and the defense usually isn't the best. I told my boy, "get your innings in and pitch when the coach wants you to. The older you get and the better you get the better the defense behind you will be." Tough it out and do your best is what I live by.

[@ryanrhoades5922]

It was the worst coaching my son because he did play SS but I didn't make the lineup and I wanted him at 2nd where he played in HS. Moved back to SS his Jr year. The kid was a great glove at 2nd went sophomore year zero errors and it short he had a few his jr year all throwing. He grew into his arm and boy did he love to try and uncork throws. A few like your throw V Brewers

[@thefruch7588]

I dealt with politics years ago. Absolutely killed my joy in the game back then. But getting back to it now in my late 30’s haha

[@jaseiv4]

If a player like Ronald acuna Jr. Coming from another country and playing in the MLB ,do they have to be a U.S citizen or jus get a Visa or what ?? How does that work???

[@briancragin]

Hey Matt, what do you think about HS politics? We have a baseball coach that penalizes kids for playing other sports. He thinks if they aren't in his year-round baseball program, they aren't committed to baseball. I believe playing baseball year-round for HS kids isn't the best thing. Especially if they are good at other sports.

[@bradmcpeters6504]

When does it stop? What if nobody ever stands up to a obvious coaches son,best friend sons, coach?If not for your child, than the future child.This is a serious problem in Highschool ball.I have seen it for 30 years.Who stands up for the kids who is crushed because of a selfish coach ??

[@davebutler5465]

Great work Matt. Love your posts!!!

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks Dave!! Thanks for watching and commenting!!

[@sce2aux464]

I had a coworker in Orlando who had a few seasons with Milwaukee. He told me that the politics is what made him hang up his glove.

[@Jd48897]

When u we’re a kid in LL we’re u so good at that time we’re players on other team we’re like hey Matt’s playing so we need to pitch around him or something like that? Or that guy Jeff Alison I’m sure got it.

[@JoeMama-jj8qy]

Jake Dylan no he said he never hit a homer till high school

[@Jd48897]

Cool Guy Cole oh ya that’s a good point I appreciate it

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Jeff definitely did. I'm sure teams pitched around me in LL. I hit a lot of home runs my 12 year old year. Thanks for watching and commenting!!

[@Sentinel_eye]

Ty Matt. When is the next live chat?

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Not sure yet! Sometime next week. I'll try to announce it a few days in advance. Thanks for watching and commenting!!

[@mrmalcolm6988]

I’m dealing with that at my sons high school but on the basketball level

[@Nihilianth]

Damn, you were 1 year off from making it to my hometown, Williamsport. If only your team formed at age 11 and 12...

[@GMan2118]

Good video, Im with you try to show that you should play don't complainto the coach/team. Also thought for another video as a coach, and as a player. What are your thoughts on dealing/ picking star player with a bad attitude/ work ethic vs a decent player with a great attitude/ work ethic?

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks!!! That is a good question I'll see what I can do for you! Thanks for watching and commenting!!

[@mirraco323]

I think this is why travel is becoming more popular. You can more easily choose to exit a shitty situation, whereas it’s kind of hard to just transfer high schools. In high school the varsity coach had beef with my old man from years prior, and I got told after sophomore year on JV that not only was I not getting bumped to Varsity, I would be cut from JV as a junior the next year, and to not even waste my team trying out for my local summer travel 16u team ran by the same guys. The first baseman they chose over me for varsity had no joke 14 errors (!) that year and at one point went hitless in like 46 straight PAs. I honestly don’t think he had double digit hits that year no joke. And big shocker, the head coach was his uncle. Long story short, I go try out for a better schools summer program, and not only do I make it, I actually end up getting put on the 19u squad and skip 16u entirely. I only played travel for the next two years, and still got a couple junior college offers. I wasn’t amazing, but I like to think I was a decent player. My point is, I got damn near close to just quitting, because I started to believe I just sucked, and looking back now, that is incredibly shitty to do to a kid over some dumb trivial political bullshit. It always gets me thinking about how petty politics ends ruining baseball or sports in general for a lot of really talented kids. It’s a shame.

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Absolutely!!! Thanks for watching and commenting!!

[@thefruch7588]

Same kinda thing happened to me. I got black balled because the high school coach called me a slur. My parents had a meeting with him and the school administrator. After that I was literally the first person cut every year. It sucks it absolutely ruins any joy you may have for the game

[@mattthomasvlogs75]

Can we see your jersey collection

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Sure thing just threw a video up. Thanks for watching and commenting!!

[@Bensimmonsburner]

I always tried to just play and not care about politics but I hit .450 my freshman and sophomore years on JV and a kid that was hitting .220 was one of the people that got moved to varsity while I didn’t even make the team as a junior, even though I was on JV as a freshman and sophomore. the kid that made it over me (and a lot of other people on the team) has parents that work with the high school coaches and went to college with them. I thought if I just played well everything would work it’s way out but I guess it didn’t matter too much to them

[@stgnick2515]

BroncosManTV same with me wow

[@Jbzero999]

Matt, I appreciate this video. I was wondering if you could do a general video for parents of young kids just getting into baseball. My boys are 9 and 6. What should I do (or don't) as a parent to help them have fun and learn the game? Thanks for your time and the information you provide.

[@johnmackshighlights8103]

Antonelli Baseball how do we determine are realistic safety And reach schools

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Need someone to help you that has experience helping players get to college. Thanks for watching and commenting!!

[@iecrime]

Hey Matt, I know ya have some wonderful vids about the grind of a season/physical prep before games, and about ball players being superstitious etc..., but I'm curious about your thoughts on your psych prep before games a la sports psych bent...and I didn't know where else to ask this question. What I'm asking is it more about routine and then going out and being "loose but focused, or is there a period before the game where you kind of psych yourself up before each game--a la getting into "the zone" so to speak? I ask because the demands of baseball seem unlike any other sport given how often you compete in a season. I played baseball throughout my hs years and was pretty good, but my sport was wrestling and I don't recall preparing psychologically for any baseball game as I had to for wrestling. I mean I did prepare, since the ends were the same, but the psych demands very different.

[@bryonrobinson3566]

I’ve been on both sides of the politics had coach who was harder on their kids they never showed favoritism they had to earn their spot but on the other hand had a time with a different coach that had his kids and nephews that he showed favoritism to

[@cwalenta656]

Would you say players from South FL or Southern CA, baseball weather all year round places have a tendency to produce better players?

[@chrisalexander703]

They are in control. You have to be at your best and practice even harder than before.

[@AntonelliBaseball]

For sure!!! Thanks for watching and commenting!!

[@toddprobasco9728]

I’ve been watching the Big 10 baseball tournament. As a parent/ coach i have a question. Do the players bring enough uniforms for every game, or are the uniforms getting washed? Who washes the uniforms, players or team staff? Where are the uniforms washed, back at the hotel or at the stadium?

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Staff washes uniforms. Home team will wash away teams stuff. Clubhouse staff. Thanks for watching and commenting!!

[@imaxdigital7052]

Have you heard of the Pacific league and would you consider pitting your teams against them?

[@RaymondStone]

Your story about playing shortstop triggered a question: *What is your experience about playing 2nd base versus playing shortstop?* I ask because when I was a kid I played 2B really well but stunk at SS because the hops at 2nd seemed normal whereas the hops at short often defied the laws of physics, haha. At 2nd I felt like Roberto Alomar but at short I was just happy to get out of each inning without an error.

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Yes definitely different between the two positions. I transitioned back and forth during my career. I do have some videos on here about that, but I don't remember the exact titles. Thanks for watching and commenting!!

[@dominicandrew4863]

Matt, as a coach do you think the best players should play no matter what? Or the players that show up to practice every day. It sounds like you were being punished in Babe Ruth because some of your time was devoted to travel ball. As a coach, would you have done that?

[@joshc6917]

hey Matt love the vids could you tell me what glove you have in the video where you glove was stolen

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks!! The Nike one?

[@joshc6917]

The Rawlings glove that you used to use in the mlb

[@paulkersey7458]

When I became a head coach after 6 years as an assistant, I tried to be fair. I put my son in CF and put better, older kids in the infield. Another Dad pulled me aside and told me I was wrong to do that. “You’re the coach. You stepped up when others didn’t. Put your son at SS” he exclaimed. You just can’t win.

[@BigChance]

You have some cool jerseys on the online stores

[@CruceEntertainment]

If you really love the game, you’ll keep playing no matter what happens along the way. You’ll keep playing till your body tells you to not play anymore.

[@bostonsportsfan1995]

Being a Missourian, where was your tournament in missouri?

[@AntonelliBaseball]

I can't remember the city lol. It was a small town I think. Thanks for watching and commenting!!

[@BigChance]

You should make a video of what team you wanted to go to before the draft

[@AntonelliBaseball]

I honestly didn't care just wanted to get drafted high. Thanks for watching and commenting!!

[@oldcop18]

Politics/favoritism exists in every occupation, you cannot escape it & have to learn to deal w/it.

[@AntonelliBaseball]

For sure!!!

[@NDSean45]

My high school days there was a lot of baseball politics. No joke, our coach took bribes from the rich kids' parents.

[@jvjustvibes9103]

I 💯 agree w Matt. Hard work will get you places

[@chrisalexander703]

I Thought U Were going to talk about the possiable new DH Rule. The new pitching rules. A handful of clubs weren't going to go to get free agents anymore.

[@jacksonmerk5710]

How much gear did you get in college

[@AntonelliBaseball]

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

[@kevinfielding5826]

Also. Everything is about the team, not particular players individually. If i gotta stick u in a certain position its a team move its not political!!! Best players should play there!! But thats me!!!

[@firulay1023]

Hey Antonelli great video. You have been around the game at different levels. Can you make a video on the main reasons players don’t make it a part from injury? Thanks

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Yes I do have a few videos that talk about that. I don't remember which ones though lol. Thanks for watching and commenting!!

[@gkarjala]

Your where you should be. You made the bigs, couldn't sustain it, but now you're giving it back to the young ones. MLB is tough gig. But you're sustaining the game. Well done man.

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks so much!!! Thanks for watching and commenting!!

[@tysonrinker5958]

Cool channel . Very good baseball channel

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks!

[@Onemattressatatime]

Yep , positions are earned during practice and produce during games

[@rlisfun629]

Where was a guy like you 20 years ago Matt. My house league team had played my cities rep team as a warm up and we shut them down 7-0 I pitched 7 innings. They wanted me to try out so I did. After tryouts they canceled the team cause their prospects couldn’t even make it to tryout. They held tryout again 3 weeks later but instead of trying out I sat in my dads car fighting with him how this is BS I made it to first tryouts and didn’t want to tryout again with these players that couldn’t even bother showing up the first time It left a bitter taste in my mouth and couldn’t be bothered to try out for this team I thought was a failure I only wonder what would have happened if I did

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thank you!!! Thanks for watching and commenting!!

[@JW-dy8ru]

During my HS junior year, my coach made racist comments to me AND sat me on the bench. I stuck it out. Didn't work out so great in the end.

[@ThunderPants13]

Good advice.

[@andrewkalmans7927]

Can you make a video about your thoughts on current MLB issues, such as what you think about free agency, service time manipulation, pitch clock, etc.

[@AntonelliBaseball]

I have a few videos on that in our playlist. Thanks for watching and commenting!!

[@danielbrewster5182]

Do you have to pay for hotel rooms and plane tickets In the major leagues?

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Nope all free. Thanks for watching and commenting!!

[@danielbrewster5182]

I picked the wrong career!!!!!

[@GranolaBarOG]

Antonelli do you read these comments ?

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Yes I do, sometimes just 2 years later 😂

[@mattyharsh4393]

I’ve dealt with politics from little league into high school and even where I’m at now in the msbl(men’s league). You would think that abunch of grown men with careers and families would not play the political game oh but they do and it’s just to make guys happy so will keep coming back to play. In this league it can be a daunting task just to 9 guys to play a single weekend game cause we all have families and jobs and can’t make baseball a priority. Even after games it’s typical for other teams league to approach you for staying to play another game cause their team does not have enough

[@BlasterPA]

Good life advice, for sure.

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks!!! Thanks for watching and commenting!!

[@austinjames2160]

What happens when you are traded to a team with a player that has the same number as you, can you make a video about it or just reply.

[@AntonelliBaseball]

You just need to take a new number, unless you want to ask him for it. Thanks for watching and commenting!!

[@thefirstechlon5522]

My friend was objectively better at every drill than any other first baseman, yet he got cut in hs and at juco but got a scholarship to a d3 school

[@JoeMama-jj8qy]

Can we get a Jordan Hicks mechanics

[@c200065524]

Cool Guy Cole Jose Alvarado as well

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Will do!!! Thanks for watching and commenting!!

[@MMAFrisky]

Hi Matt, I always wanted to know, are major league starting pitchers required to show up at all games in which they dont start, or do they get those days off??

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Yes they do show up. Thanks for watching and commenting!!

[@TempleofAmon666]

Matt, how difficult is it for players that need prescription glasses?

[@SparkzDesign]

I have to use prescription glasses. What I do to make everything easier is I have 2 pairs of prescription glasses. One being sunglasses for when it’s day, and normal sports prescription glasses for when it’s night or when I’m pitching.

[@xanderthrailkill8623]

I wear contacts when I play

[@mikebell6513]

Left my specs at home...could that explain my .175 average? Maybe I had unrealized talent because I didn't wear the specs! I'm 64, but maybe I'll head for the batting cage to see what I can do...with my glasses on.

[@AntonelliBaseball]

I've never needed them so I can't say for sure. Thanks for watching and commenting!!

[@cwjohns01]

Hey, I gotta question. Let's say the manager gets ejected, who takes over?

[@davidg1612]

Pretty sure it's the bench coach but I could be wrong.

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Usually the bench coach will. Thanks for watching and commenting!!

[@PopOutPaulie]

I remember vividly dealing with Politics at a very young age. Fortunately it stopped for me at Babe Ruth cause it was just obvious i was one of the best kids in the town. But on Little League i missed being on the All Star by one vote. This is after a year that i hit 8 hrs and threw 3 no hittters. Who did my spot get taken by?? The son of the commissioner of our Little League. I remember my dad walking me down to the field after we found out and literally going crazy. Everyone in the towb knew it was wrong because i was so much better then the Commissioners son. But like I said in my previous comment this is what happens in Small Towns across the Country

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Yup!

[@ghmonroe9872]

This is fastpitch softball, but politics happened just the same. I once told a coach with a smile, "You must be the worst manager in the history of sports." He laughed and asked, "Why?" I said, "Your lineup is SO potent that your number 10 hitter is hitting .798, and yet, your team is one and four!" We both laughed. I batted 3rd the rest of the season.

[@coachmaguire8744]

Everyone’s the hero of their story.

[@tednugent-hopkis]

Ok good when you said politics I thought you ment Republicans vs Democrats, and I was thinking "oh no not you too" 🤣

[@davidg1612]

Title says "baseball politics". Lol

[@tednugent-hopkis]

@@davidg1612 yeah I know but knowing how things are nowadays you never know.

[@Dmoney9768_]

Sometimes you have to tell people that your kid is not as good as you think he is.. and to stop trying to live your life through him or her. Or stop getting mad at coaches and get your kid the help they need to really make it cause just going to baseball practice and playing games against majority low level competition ain’t going to do it

[@Jd48897]

Ya growing up in a baseball town in Texas politics was a thing I was one of the best infielders in the league but I got moved to CF I was upset but didn’t say anything then moved me to 1st Base and I was like 12 it was fine cause by the time I got to HS baseball I was playing 1st , 2nd base so it was frustrating but it worked out in end.

[@829joliver]

From your comment, I would venture to guess that you probably fell asleep during all those HS English classes...

[@Jd48897]

829joliver yes sir I was good enough in baseball that I was not worried English Class and It was at 7 am so Your right I got plenty of sleep in English class

[@chrisalexander703]

That's baseball. That's life.

[@edincleve1955]

Hey Matt, love your videos. How about talking about the politics in MLB baseball. It seems that decisions are made about a player's potential while he's in the minor leagues, and even if he achieves at a high level in the minors he won't get much of a break in the majors. Even if they call him up & put him in the lineup, if he doesn't immediately produce they take him out and send him back down. Did you ever see that?

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thank you!!! Great point! I'll try to do a video. Thanks for watching and commenting!!

[@PopOutPaulie]

This type of politics usually happens in small towns across America.

[@danielmusfeldt6393]

Well, it’s that kind of attitude that gets you over a million dollars and a first rounder. Good stories and they’re all true.

[@ethanwalker596]

What pick were u

[@Alf763]

Fa Dizzle he was the 17th pick

[@AntonelliBaseball]

17th overall in 2006 draft. Thanks for watching and commenting!!

[@lucasmachetti7457]

Hi

[@bigtime8924]

My high school coach played Ben Roethlisberger in front of me and believe me it was total politics, such bullshit.

[@chenrayen]

I’ve been the beneficiary of being the son of the basketball coach. I was bigger and was way more fundamentally sound. But once all the other boys put in the time and worked their ass off and grew up. I was just the average guy that wasn’t good enough to keep. It sucked, but I realized it was a possibility before tryouts. I still played softball and found other clubs that I poured my heart into so it all worked out. I hope everyone internalizes Matt’s message: take care of your business and let everything fall in place.

[@CSDonohue11]

Politican Like A Boss

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Haha!