When I Knew I Was No Longer An MLB Prospect

[@ostreds]

18 games in the show...that's 18 more games than 99.94% of the US population.

[@jaywunder13242]

More than that.

[@ostreds]

@@jaywunder13242 My error...99.994%. Take the 19568 MLB players from Baseballreference and divide it by the approx total US population in 2019. 0.006%

[@byHeaLiiAU]

@@ostreds Even smaller, the total American population during the duration of the MLB is way higher

[@ostreds]

@@byHeaLiiAU apologies more than 99.994%, little error in decimals.

[@byHeaLiiAU]

@@ostreds haha no big deal, it's just interesting that a all

[@crazyman8472]

“When you’re 21, you’re a prospect. When you’re 30, you’re a suspect.” 😜 -Jim McGlothin

[@guitarplayer30001]

the jim from hells kitchen

[@superspammer69]

Your career wasn't a failure at all, you made it to the highest level that most players only dream of.

[@israymervalentin-arias6313]

and he hit 1 home run in the mlb.

[@Doors067]

Israymer Valentin-Arias yeah even just one is enough to always get bar credit. "guy hits a home run, i did that once"

[@closeet293]

Uh yeah it is he's a BUST. A team used their first round pick on him cause they expected him to contribute. I understand injuries played a big role, but Greg Oden is considered a HUGE bust cause of injuries

[@4149stonepony]

@@closeet293 Injuries don't make a guy a bust. J'marcus Russel is a bust, Greg Oden is a dissapointment. I know in todays world of hot takes, now injuries make you a bust. BS.

[@closeet293]

4149stonepony bro stfu. Being drafted NUMBER 1 overall your expected to be a star. Greg oden was expected to be the face of a franchise for many years. A team chose him over KD. He's a bust stfu

[@dbach1025]

Your candor and honesty is much appreciated. That was one of the funniest stories i have ever heard. Please keep them coming.

[@johnforjustice2350]

I seen you play for Norfolk Tides. I’m 110% certain you would have made the O’s out of spring training this season

[@farpointgamingdirect]

I could've made the O's out of spring training this year. And my AARP card gets me a sweet discount at Dempseys after the game😁

[@johnforjustice2350]

The O’s are in a very bad place right now. They wouldn’t even be .500 in the International league. Norfolk there AAA is bad too. (Where I live). I’m not sure how many guys have worn Os jerseys this year but it’s well over 40 players.

[@TheOriginal561]

John Bruce honestly man Detroit and Baltimore both could have had this guy make the 25 man.

[@monblancnoland4666]

Low bar my guy hahaha

[@dw-nb2zh]

Much more to life than a game...Love how when life handed you lemons, you made lemonade.

[@Bidwellz9]

when you want to be a lasting pro, there is nothing else.

[@brendonsinift4756]

I was at that game you were warming up the bullpen. Tried to meet you before the game.

[@truecrimejungle]

funny how humble he is, no one wanted his history of injuries - that's why they didn't even care about his performance. should have been a career mlb player.

[@FuzzyFromYT]

This was a very interesting story! Love your insight and videos 🙌🏻

[@jesuschrist5691]

Hahaha no lindor

[@brittybomb22_60]

Fuzzy kiss me daddy

[@fatantobelly9156]

Bro you’re the most humble dude that’s ever been a professional athlete. You’re a great athlete and great personality. Glad you’re able to still coach and be a part of the game you love. You’re my favorite person on KZbin

[@DJGaming-qw8hu]

There are those nice ball players out there but it is a rare breed

[@a2zme]

.. you literally became a 'phantom' to that coach .. hilariously sad story :)

[@mistersoupmannovember2263]

Perspectives are Perspectives

[@djrdjr8888]

You are a Hall of Famer of a human being. Props to your parents too. As hilarious as the story was, and it was...you painted a helluva picture Matt, lol, it must have been a real tough time for you. You handled it with class. Great story.

[@thezdbailey]

You f'ing lived it Matt. More so than 99.9% of us. Appreciate the hell out of your stories and the truth and honesty behind them.

[@closeet293]

whokoo ya honestly wtf😂😂

[@afuzzycreature8387]

For every one of us sports loving guys who work another job regardless of that job I think we all wish we could perform as an athlete at that level and give it a fair shot. I'm glad we get the opportunity for that little bit of vicarious living. Me... no strength, no hand eye, but very competitive so I'm not so good at athletics which is disappointing.

[@maxp2305]

Oh holy shit. Didn't even realize I was this early. On another note, I'm so glad you can look back on your career and laugh at these experiences. You're not bitter about anything that you experienced and you're a great educator. These topics you speak about are truly things most people don't ever hear about, let alone experience. Love the channel

[@JanLarson]

Thanks for sharing that story. It has to be tough to know that something that you had pursued since you were a kid was coming to an end but you did get to do something that most of us haven't and never will ... play in the major leagues.

[@stanleyhudson2587]

It takes a lot of guts to explain this endeavor. I respect you Matt.

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks!

[@stanleyhudson2587]

@@AntonelliBaseball I wish there were more honest current ir ex MLB guys like you telling it... I enjoyed your HOU MLB points of view. Your videos about the cheating stuff were good, on point.

[@uc95nu51]

I knew i was no longer any good when i couldn't hit a fastball in MLB2k12.

[@drcloutier3430]

looks like on 04/09/13 yan gomes and omir santos were called up to cleveland. roberto perez was promoted up to columbus the next day. awesome story man, keep up the great videos!

[@alsacrime4806]

What a good guy. Admirable and honest. Great storyteller. Rooting for you. Life has good things for you.

[@RaoulThomas007]

ALSA CRIME I think Matt needs to get into broadcasting (if he wants to)!

[@alsacrime4806]

Raoul Thomas He is self-sufficient and self-governing, why would he want to be part of a corporate top-down/command and control/vertically integrated structure? I would much rather see him do a format like Jon Bois or Five Points or Urinating Tree than being a job-scared analyst sidekick for some play by play egghead.

[@griffinwicklund5404]

Matt you should do a video about what players talk about during the game in the dugout and on base! Love the videos!

[@tc1817]

wtf do you think players talk about during games?

[@amd_hawk7318]

T C lot of stuff happens in there. A stories from the dugout video would be nice.

[@themacocko6311]

@@tc1817 I think they talk about your mom.

[@tc1817]

@@themacocko6311 I think not. Unless they are also dead.

[@tc1817]

@@amd_hawk7318 i bet it does. maybe a better question would be "what are a couple of the best stories you heard in the dugout." rather than what do players talk about. What does Griffin think they talk about?

[@apxl8r1]

I can hear the disappointment in your voice. I do appreciate your honesty and forthright approach in this story.

[@CG-70]

I’ve never met you man, with that, as a career Military career guy, did 21yrs and different terminologies, they do the same thing. I never met a single guy who retired happy. At our high ranks, they gave us tasks that we just knew. I’m writing this because as crappy as it seems to always end, you made it. Whether it was long or short, you made it and the odds are so astronomical and I’m happy you got to realize your dream and have the humility now to share the good and bad times with all of us. That’s leadership quality and it’s inspirational to listen, it brings me back to when I knew it was over, thank you for sharing and being so candid and they can never take away that you did make it to the show. Good on you man

[@bucksdiaryfan]

You may have flamed out in baseball but you are an absolute ALL STAR on youtube!! I cannot tell you how much I enjoy this channel and your storytelling abilities are first rate

[@DavidOatney]

I've just discovered your videos and I really enjoy them. Once upon a Time, eons ago, when I was in college, I worked as a local sportscaster and I did college baseball. I think the prospective you bring to people's understanding of the game is so valuable at a time when baseball need so much more interest from young people. You're an ambassador for the game, keep it up.

[@elchinofatman1]

Gidday mate a kiwi living in Australia here. Never watched a game of baseball in my life but your stories are fascinating. So humble and honest and reflective. Keep up the great work.

[@tomcarrow]

I knew my time was up when I hit a home run and my manager/third base coach didn't give me a high five, but gave me a dirty look and a snarl.

[@DJGaming-qw8hu]

They probably bet against you lol

[@mikebell6513]

You handled like the good man you are!

[@haroldgodwinson4674]

7:41 Hahaha 😂 Thanks for your honesty & humour Matt.

[@larrysinger9359]

I have watched many Vlogs on KZbin. Yours is one of my favorite. This video really showed that you have major league character. I can't even tell you how much courage this one must have taken to make. There were two points in this vid where I thought I heard your voice crack just a tiny bit. Things work out for a reason. Wish you continued success.

[@Daniel-36]

Out of 7 billion people on earth, you made it on a 25 man mlb roster. That’s pretty impressive if you ask me

[@Boheem]

Nothing to be ashamed of you’re one of the most humble dudes it takes a real man to talk about his ups and downs.

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks!!

[@markd8884]

My career ended when I discovered alcohol & girls. I was 15yo. Lol

[@phobod1]

You act like you don't party and fuck more girls as a pro...u done fucked up

[@arthenry989]

Eff you all. I made until 16. Eat beans, Losers!

[@debsreno911]

You made it further than most people would, you did something that a majority of the population could never be able to say. I think that's a huge accomplishment.

[@leoguy1609]

Things may not have worked out for you Matt but at least you can say you made It, where most can not.

[@jakemapes1724]

I was put on the phantom DL in 01 for the Hagerstown Suns. Absolutely sucked, spent the whole year catching bullpens. Then released by the Giants two weeks before spring training. Worst experience ever, never touched a ball again. I even asked for my release during the season twice and was denied. Ouch! Thank god I found jiu jitsu. Props to you for turning lemons in lemonade.

[@nramirez314]

Great Story I’m happy your still doing what you love to do.

[@18S12]

Matt, keep making the videos.....these are very interesting and you’re quite good at it.

[@gagebyers1057]

I love how genuine you are! Pro ball is a grind.

[@Swindle20]

Yo. Your the man dude. To be able to play baseball until your 29-30 is a blessing man. Who gives a shit if you didn’t play much, you worked your ass off (I’m sure) and it just wasn’t in the cards. Happy to see you can roll over your experiences and stories through KZbin. Keep grinding bro your a STAR to the baseball players that truly know how hard it is to make it to the MLB.

[@kevinthebeagle]

you are a good man. that takes character and class to be so transparent about the close of a chapter that was obviously your big dream. i hope what followed is truly rewarding

[@moonbeamskies3346]

Awesome video. This channel is the best for learning what really goes on in baseball.

[@845835]

4:55 the moment Matt went from phantom DL to straight up being a phantom.

[@orangejuicejones6075]

You are a good guy. Most would massage the end and make it seem much more dramatic. You give the raw, honest truth.

[@HaloHobbyCards]

I'm so glad i came across this channel, love the genuine description of pro ball.

[@louisastuto2878]

Much respect for you being secure enough to come out and tell these stories so candidly dude. Obviously didn’t go quite as you wanted It to but as a baseball fan it’s great to get this perspective from a guy who experienced all this firsthand. At the end of the day you went further than 99.99 percent of ppl who ever picked up a baseball and I’m glad that doesn’t seem lost on you.

[@sergiowaters]

This gentleman is such a pleasure to listen to. People have little or no idea the talent it takes to reach the level he went to. The best baseball ⚾ channel on KZbin !

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks!!!

[@cjnewsnetwork4851]

You had me literally LOL😂. Seriously, you made money and achieved what millions of amateur baseball players wish but will never see. Be proud my man!

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks so much!

[@georgeyoung1810]

I find these videos really cool. Not only the behind the scenes stuff but how open you are about all of the things that happened. It must have been a real roller coaster of a career. Thanks for sharing

[@jonnya3425]

That story about catching the closer was hilarious. The slow swell of laughter haha. Thanks for being so willing to share your low points with humility and humor.

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks!!!

[@DC_1894]

I always admire your resilience, humor, and honesty. No wonder you’re such a great coach. Maybe that was your real calling all along.

[@jonyrodz]

Matt, I enjoy going back and looking at some past MLB drafts and see who was drafted in the first round! Be proud of yourself for actually making it to the big leagues and even hitting a home run! Many men would have loved to be in your shoes for just one at bat! One of my favorite MLB drafts was 1973 where Robin Yount was drafted 3rd overall and Dave Winfield 4th(both Future Hall Of Famers), 5th was a kid from Bridgewater-Raynham High School Glenn Tufts, a careless driving accident badly damaged his knee and his career and he never made it to the majors!

[@wookim4611]

I don’t even like or know anything about baseball but your insight and storytelling is addictive. Love all your videos!

[@jeffmichel4312]

hell yea Matt! Sense of humor gets ya through life! Good job buddy, thanks for sharing.

[@richardpapa242]

I had the pleasure of meeting this young man at the baseball complex in Middleton,ma. The simple fact this young man played 18 games in the pros is amazing we all dream of playing one inning we all dream of being Moonlight Graham but this young man's rise to the pros is an incredible journey thank you Matt Antonelli for great baseball

[@logieberra]

You’re a tremendous communicator and story teller. Thanks for sharing Matt :)

[@WarReport.]

As a kid we all want to play in the big leagues not thinking anyone else outside our group of ball playing friends wants to or what it actually takes to make it to the show, how hard it is to stay there, and how many journeymen have similiar stories to your own. Thanks for sharing Matt.

[@rickkawtoski8371]

Matt, I have to tell you, listening to you talk about this; my heart dropped for you man. Being ignored by your coaches,then basically, using you, when they were in a pinch, waiting for a catcher to come up. I tip my hat to you guy! Hey, you made it to the show, that's success! I played college and some semi and coach Legion ball and I can never say that. Love the videos; keep it up.👍

[@nickv4073]

Hey, Dude. Thanks for the honesty. You did make it to the show, however briefly. You are in the MLB record books and no one can ever take those hits away from you. You even got a dinger. Its a good thing that it never happened to me because I would be stopping strangers in the street every day for the rest of my life to tell them that I was once in the show. lol!

[@gemmint77]

Funny stuff man. Bet you would go back and do it all over again. Really enjoy your channel.

[@TeachAManToAngle]

I had similar experiences as my snowboard career was ending. Your story just brought back all those anxious feelings from 15 years ago. Thank you for sharing though.

[@thelastmanonearth2631]

You had me rolling, man 😂 you took a sad story and made it hilarious.

[@danielklein9222]

I was hoping your rookie auto card would be worth big bucks someday !

[@snoochpounder]

It might if his KZbin keeps growing like that

[@ridesharing1014]

I only played in Little League for Village Hardware and the Carmel Pine Cone! I love your honesty and appreciate your attitude. Thank you for sharing. You speak on things many people want to know, which I’m sure is why you have so many subscribers! With your attitude I’m sure you will be successful! Good luck to you and thanks for your insight.

[@fredyllanos8972]

Your candor is commendable. You got a new subscriber. Great insider info.

[@FastDuDeJiunn]

i been watching for long time now, as a guy who grew up a huge baseball fan i realy enjoyed this channel. Matt done something that as far as i know no one else has done. Batting techniques, fielding and insider info on how teams work and run in the backgrounds. to me has been very interesting to learn. even got my uncle to watch some. how matt breaks things down so even a kid can understand what he is talking about is also so nice, and yet not sound like he is talking down to us.

[@fpowell02]

Great story!! Awesome how you find humor in past hiccups...All your content is top notch, but the stories are NEXT LEVEL!! Keep the wonderful vids coming!!

[@YolkyPalky]

Did you ever consider prolonging the dream in Japan, Europe, etc. after being released from USA Minor League ball? I know several Travel Ball coaches that went that route, though it seems to have just delayed the inevitable.

[@Zaron_Gaming]

i'm fairly sure He talked this yesterday or the day before. He's discussed this a ton. Yes he considered it but he didn't want it. He wanted to play in the majors that's his whole goal not to play anywhere else

[@jacketstime]

I feel like I was at that bullpen game! I vaguely remember something like that. Was it at Huntington Park?

[@wrkuball]

Had lunch at a Rotary Club meeting with a guy who played a few ML games for the Angels as a utility infielder. His first at bat he hit a home run off of Jim Kat of the Twins. He didn’t stick but he made it to the big leagues and became an excellent AAA manager.

[@CanadianSmitty]

Hi Matt. Thank you so much for sharing the inner world of MLB. I really appreciate your candid honesty and humbleness with your experience.

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks and I appreciate you watching!

[@CesarGonzalez-ei6qu]

Thanks for your honesty and humility!

[@troymacdonald1525]

What a great, honest video. Matt you’re a class act!! My family grew up around the fresno grizzlies and have heard plenty of these type of stories around the same time you were playing...Hansen, timpner, linden, knoedler, Lewis, cervenak, etc. BTW the giants could use you this year.

[@newbritainpauly4841]

Thanks Matt 😁 your really the only BIG League player that's has a KZbin channel and brings the fans inside the locker room and answers all the real questions us baseball Fans want to know, Thank you so much Matt....

[@thebassbuilder]

I love your honesty with this. I know it was probably not as funny and easy to share with everyone at the time.

[@Mo-MuttMusic]

Thanks for sharing. My epiphany came some time after my only summer of live pitching in youth-league baseball. Shortly after going down swinging, I decided to take every pitch. Most of the pitchers in our league were righties and had difficulty throwing to lefties like me, so my strategy paid off because I drew lots of walks, then moved around the bases on wild pitches because the catchers couldn't block the plate. Still, my unwillingness to hit was an obvious clue I wasn't cut out for the majors. Or minors. Or even high school ball, if there had been a program at my high school then (it didn't get established until years after I had graduated). Shawn R., Mo-Mutt Music/Sacred & Secular (and pickleball player)

[@doublebass1985]

Man I feel so bad for you, you are such a good spirited guy. We live in a cruel world, but just try to make the best of it.

[@AntonelliBaseball]

I’m all good but thank you!!!

[@ThunderPants13]

Matt, you have a great attitude after having to deal with all the injuries and other crap you did during your pro baseball career. I think the kids you coach will learn a lot about just having a positive approach to life from you.

[@blakkat4126]

`"...I don even think the coach could see me." That was my LOL moment this morning.

[@clb3728]

Great story Matt. Thanks for sharing. Love your transparency.

[@cartoonusa7515]

What best advice would you give a 13 year old hitter for travel/school

[@neilchidiac121]

Swing hard in case u hit it but keep swing short

[@cartoonusa7515]

Neil Chidiac Yah I Never Got A Hit 🤣

[@squaaam2263]

@@cartoonusa7515 dont think about how bad you are doing, think about how this at bat, you are ending the slump

[@photodog13]

Don’t play baseball 12 months a year. Play a different sport as well to let your body recover from playing baseball. It’s been scientifically proven that multi sport athletes have less injuries than one sport athletes.

[@alsacrime4806]

photodog13 Link to this proof?

[@sophocles1198]

9:20 you can see Matt tearing up a bit over the end of his baseball dreams

[@carlosistribe]

I had a similar experience but with soccer. Out in the states I was an outstanding prospect. Chose to go overseas instead of the “college to MLS route”. I got smoked by 15 y/o’s out in Brazil while I was 19. While I was out there, the coach for the first team told me I was getting old. In my head, I’m like in the MLS there are goalies in their lates 40’s LOL! Looking back, I should’ve stayed in the states. I wonder what would’ve happened if you took a slight easier route and went overseas. Anyhow, awesome story. Best of luck. Peace love and positivity!

[@dongfreid582]

You made it further than 99.999% of every kid who ever played baseball. You can be very proud of yourself. Most managers miss real talent. My college coach Barry" I still live with my Mommy" Kirsh at St joseph univeristy in Philly missed me. He can go straight to hell with you manager.

[@XxSEETH3RxX]

you made it when others didn't and that is something to always be proud of. My younger brother was good and wanted it so bad and got as high as college level and didn't make it any further than that. He was good but not good enough. It's hard to make it.

[@samanthak9078]

O man, thanks for sharing but I know that must have been hard.

[@manifestgtr]

Dude, all context aside....that bullpen story is objectively hilarious. Great stuff 🤙

[@benjacobs2560]

You might not believe it but these videos are actually way more interesting than if you had been a mediocre MLB second basemen. Everybody who played baseball but wasn’t good enough to get drafted is curious how this stuff really works. Thanks for making these videos and sharing your experience. When you hear retired players talk about their careers, almost none of them go out on their own terms. Even guys that were in the Big Leagues for 10 years are filled with regrets and what might have beens. Pretty much every player that’s not in the HOF has some level of regret. If you know in your heart you gave it your all, you can rest easy.

[@borisshestakov9994]

Rumor has it Richie givens took his roster spot when he was on the phantom DL

[@roleplayingpain4349]

man you have such a good attitude, i don't even watch baseball or sports but i am going to sub because you are such a force of good

[@wolverinefangowings]

What's it like following the league as a former player? Are you still a Red Sox fan? Padres? Related, what was it like playing with the Yanks as a Sox fan?

[@willesnault9403]

He made a video and in it he said that he doesn’t even root for a team anymore. I forgot the video though. Maybe Matt will respond.

[@wolverinefangowings]

@@willesnault9403 figured he might have done it already. I just discovered the channel this weekend and I've been making my way through.

[@willesnault9403]

wolverinefangowings nice 👌

[@chango33rd1]

Thanks for your honesty and candor.

[@Nitsudrd]

I wish you would name more names. It would make your stories so much better

[@AnomieTrain]

Every time you talk about your playing days I keep thinking about the movie Bull Durham. The things you talk about I could imagine being in that movie!

[@Randoms12468]

Love watching your career videos though. Very cool to see from a mlb player. I played bball with an old friend that went to play for OKC and barely made it a season. Still an awesome show

[@ghilleb1]

Great story, Matt. We were in the Cape at the same time.

[@rickyk2393]

You played with Lonnie Chisenhall when you went to Cleveland? I played with him from t ball to college

[@groundzero270]

Great video brother! Thanks for sharing your experiences!

[@mrbigpoops3237]

This is awesome. You made it up a false summit. Then, there's another mountain to climb when it comes to becoming a starter and then for award winner/hall of famer. You were able to easily do things most humans aren't capable of. The major league players are capable of doing things minor league baseball players aren't capable of.

[@AntonelliBaseball]

For sure!

[@mikebell6513]

That stinks...cruel...sorry you went through that!

[@moonbeamskies3346]

Bit still, a lifetime of great memories. And a nice signing bonus.

[@NickPoeschek]

I legitimately laughed out loud at “if the catcher got hurt they probably would have forfeited”

[@Anthony-df4bs]

You were so positive about the entire experience. Just listening to the slow downfall gives me serious anxiety.