Sports > April 7, 2005

By Graham Hall

Old Gold & Black Reporter

THE SKINNY:

Matt Antonelli was that kid in high school that was good at every sport. Not just good, really good. Antonelli was the Massachusetts Player of the Year in football and hockey. He received runner-up honors for his accomplishments in baseball and, lucky for the Deacs, that’s the sport he chose to pursue. Thus far it seems to be paying off. In the 2004 MLB Draft, Antonelli was a 19th round pick for the Los Angeles Dodgers. This summer, Antonelli also participated in the prestigious Cape Cod League. In a recent team survey, he was voted best defensive player, toughest out, and the player with the best power and speed. What can’t this kid do?

Sophomore third baseman Matt Antonelli has been a standout on the baseball team every since he put on the Wake Forest jersey. Just last week, he had a total of four runs and one hit in the Deacs’ three consecutive games against Duke April 1-3. Last season Antonelli started at third base in all 50 of Wake Forest’s games. Recently, Old Gold & Black reporter Graham Hall sat down to interview him about life on the field.

Old, Gold & Black: What is the biggest change you have noticed from last season?

Matt Antonelli: Well, I would have to say that I feel more confident and comfortable in the field, which is a result of playing a full season last year and then playing this past summer in the Cape Cod League against the best players in the country.

OGB: Playing in the Cape Cod League, would you say that it is anything like the movie Summer Catch?

MA: It was the exact opposite, although Kip (Byrum) says I have a stark resemblance to Freddy Prinz Jr.

OGB: How has it been adapting to a new coach?

MA:  Coach Rembielak is more hands—on and I have noticed more intensity than last year. Coach has brought a new excitement to the team.

OGB: What are your goals for this season?

MA:  First off it would be to win the ACCs. We would all like to make a regional and ultimately make it to Omaha, Neb., and capture a College World Series title.

Casey Sterk: Hit more home runs than me.

OGB: Do you have a nickname given to you by your teammates?

MA: Everyone just calls me Anto, even the coaches call me Anto.

OGB: You had a really good high school career and you were voted the best football player in Massachusetts, so if it came down to it, between Brian Shust, Josh Ellis and yourself, who would you say is the best football player?

MA:  I’m not even sure Brian Shust played football; I would like confirmation with a highlight film. Between Josh and me, I think we would make a good team, Josh at quarterback and me playing wide out. In the off-season we go to the practice field and I run routes while Josh throws to out patterns.

OGB: If you could play any other sport than baseball what would it be, and why?

MA:  Slamball, no reason.

OGB: What are your plans for the future or are you just taking it day by day?

MA:  I just want to take it one game at a time and the good Lord willing things will work; I’m just happy to be here; hope I can help the ball club.