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Sharks Sign Relief Pitcher from Northeastern University

February 26, 2012 - Futures Collegiate Baseball League (FCBL)
Martha's Vineyard Sharks News Release


Matt Cook is a 6'5" 205 lb. right handed sophomore pitcher from Hamilton, MA that goes to Northeastern University. Matt was the captain of his varsity baseball team, two out of his four years at Hamilton-Wenham Regional HS, and was named All-Cape Ann League. We asked Matt to provide us with insight on his background and his young baseball career.

What made you decide on Northeastern University?

I chose NU because of the Co Op experience and having the opportunity to have some work experience before I got out of college. Another reason why I chose NU is because of how close it is to my hometown. My parents and my grandmother are my biggest fans so they love coming to the games.

Last season as a freshman you made 13 appearances from the bullpen. Were you used in middle relief, in setup or as a closer?

I was usually put in "non-stressful" game situations, which is how I interpreted it because we were either down 5 or up 5 whenever I was put in.

Give me a breakdown of your pitches...primary pitch and secondary pitch(s).

My fastball is my go to pitch, then I use my slider as my out pitch, I am still working on my change-up as my third pitch that needs the most work.

Do you rely more on location, movement or both.

I rely mostly on movement. I have a low arm angle, which tends to give the ball some run.

Your control from a "walk-to-inning" perspective was pretty solid as you walked only 8 batters in 22.2 innings pitched. An offset to this was that you hit 6 batters; was that because you like to pitch in tight or were they pitches that simply got away from you?

A few of the HBP's were sliders that completely got away from me and hit hitters, but other than that some were me trying to be too fine with my inside pitches and my ball just running into the hitters.

Your ERA (1.19) was miniscule, allowing only 3 earned runs during the season. Were you used primarily against right-handed batters?

I was put in whenever we needed innings to be filled, so I faced righties and lefties equally.

What do you think your role will be for Northeastern this coming season? Will you be pitching in relief or will you be moved to the starting rotation?

Honestly at this point in time I have no idea where I stand on the staff. I could see myself as a mid-week starter but who knows. I'm just excited for the season to begin.

Last summer you pitched for the Orchard Beach Raging Tide in Maine, in the New England College Baseball League. How did you enjoy that experience?

As a startup team it was very interesting. It was in a great location with a lot of good kids, but the organization definitely needed some work on how to run a good summer ball team in Old Orchard Beach. I am happy that they are joining the Futures Collegiate Baseball League as it will be good to go back to The Ballpark at OOB.

Your control appeared to desert you for the Raging Tide. In retrospect, what do you think was the reason? Were you working on your secondary pitches?

Honestly for the first half of the season I was pretty discouraged with my role on the team and how I was used in relief. It seemed that once I was put in the bullpen I was forgotten. I wasn't the only player to get this treatment as there were a few of us in this situation.

What made you decide to switch leagues and come to the Martha's Vineyard Sharks for this upcoming season?

After returning to college from the summer, a few kids from my Northeastern team raved about how good the competition was in the Futures Collegiate Baseball League and how nice the setup was as a league. I decided to connect and hookup with a team in the Futures League and was lucky enough for the Martha's Vineyard Sharks to pick me up.

What is your goal pitching for the Sharks this upcoming summer?

I want to have a fun summer, play competitive baseball with good team mates and experience the Vineyard. I've heard a lot of great things about the Vineyard and I am excited to see what the hype is all about.

Are you ready for the charter boat rides back to the Vineyard at 1:00 and 2:00 AM in the moonlight?

Can't wait for the charter boat rides back to the Vineyard!

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Futures Collegiate Baseball League Stories from February 26, 2012


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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