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06/16/2016 12:00 AMIt takes a special person to excel on the baseball field. In a world that seems increasingly dependent on instant gratification, baseball defies that mentality. Baseball is a slow-paced game that’s built on patience, repetition, and the understanding that even the best players fail nearly 70 percent of the time when they get their chance at bat. Valley Regional’s Matt Robida features the perfect mindset to thrive in the sport and he’s done just that. This past season, Matt led the Warriors with a .419 batting average, while using an even-keeled approach with a will to succeed.
“What I love about baseball is that you always get a second chance. If you make an out, you get to come back and try again,” says Matt, who recently completed his junior season. “I take the game one pitch at a time, one out at a time, and give 100 percent every time. I try to play in a way that benefits the team. Whether I play good or bad, it’s all about the team winning.”
Matt, a shortstop who batted in the No. 2 hole, scored 18 runs, drove in 15, and had an on-base percentage of more than .500 to complement his .419 average this spring. Last year as a sophomore, Matt batted at a .417 clip with 32 hits, 26 runs scored, and 15 RBI. Even as a freshman, the Chester native was an important part of the Warriors as he started at short and hit .367.
“Matt is a great kid. He’s different—not fiery. He’s almost like a surfer at Valley,” Head Coach Gary Marineau says. “Matt is a hard worker and does whatever to help his team. He doesn’t stress over the score or over making outs. He doesn’t take outs with him to the field or to his next at-bat and you can’t teach that. He was born with that ‘Get ‘em next time’ attitude.”
One thing that helps Matt succeed is the tutelage of his father Gene, who’s worked with him ever since he first laced up the cleats. When Matt was in 8th grade, his dad built a batting cage in their barn, so Matt could work on his craft.
“My dad helped me a lot and had me focus on fundamentals. He built a base for me, so I could take that to another level on my own,” Matt says. “Having the batting cage helped me tremendously. My dad or [Arik] Sypher would come over or other teammates and we would hit and pitch and work on getting better.”
That extra practice has proved huge for Matt’s development as a hitter. Opposing pitchers in the Shoreline Conference have taken note of Matt’s prowess at the plate and the fact that his average keeps going up every year is a testament to both his ability and approach.
“Matt has a great swing, a professional swing,” Coach Marineau says. “When he leaves practice, he goes home to his cage and hits some more. That’s how good a worker he is and how passionate he is about the game of baseball. Matt works just as hard in the field at a demanding position.”
Matt played flawless defense at the shortstop position and was also one of Valley’s captains as a junior this year. The Warriors had another successful season that saw them win 16 games and qualify for both postseason tournaments with the club reaching the championship game of the Shoreline Conference bracket.
“We had a great season. It was a tough loss [in the conference final], but getting there was a great experience and awesome to be a part of it,” Matt says. “We put in a lot of work as a team and it showed on the field. Our starting pitching was dominant and we had a solid year defensively. I didn’t reach my goal to hit .500, but I was content with how I played and didn’t make many errors in the field.”
For his performance on the field this spring, Matt was named to the All-Shoreline Conference First Team and was also selected to play in the Junior All-Star Game. Off the field, Matt was recognized by Valley Regional’s students and teachers when he received the Citizenship Award at the school’s underclass awards ceremony.
“I have a special needs son and he is always asking ‘Where’s Matt?’ and ‘How did Matt hit today?’ When he sees Matt, he always runs up to him and gives him a hug,” Coach Marineau adds. “He is great with kids and he seeks people out and is so sincere. That part of him will take him a long way in life and it also helps him on the field.”
As far as next season goes, Matt knows that Valley has some big shoes to fill with the loss of four seniors, including its top two pitchers, from this year. Still, Matt is already excited about his senior season and feels confident that the Warriors can build upon their recent success and take it even further in 2017.
“We are losing two amazing pitchers in Arik Sypher and Nash Eppard. We have some young guys who can step up, but it won’t be easy replacing them,” Matt says. “We want to get back to the Shoreline Championship and win it. We also want to go to states and, hopefully, win a few games and do better, make a run. I think we have the talent to do that and Coach Marineau has really turned things around with the program. He’s one of the best coaches I’ve ever had. He’s helped me so much and is a great role model. I’d also like to thank my parents, who have been so supportive and helpful over the years.”