Radnor’s Matt Szychulski is Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week (May 8-14)
The sophomore catcher has been a valuable two-way performer for the Raptors this spring, batting .355 (as of May 4) with an on-base percentage of .524 and an OPS of .975, while handling Radnor’s young pitching staff well. Radnor baseball head coach Mark Jordan said, “Our top two pitchers are a freshman and a sophomore and Matt’s been doing a great job with them.” Szychulski, who has been a catcher since he was first was able to play baseball, is a three-sport athlete at Radnor – baseball, football (quarterback) and basketball (power forward).
Q: What advantages do you think being a three-sport athlete (such as yourself) offers over an athlete who only specializes in one sport year-round?
A: The advantage of being a three sport athlete is just keeping my body in shape, I never really get a break; it’s always one sport to the next, which I enjoy a lot but it takes a toll on my body. However, it keeps me in shape and physically ready to play.
Q: What do you think has been the most important thing you’ve learned recently regarding hitting?
A: Honestly ever since I was young, hitting has been something that I excelled and found fun in. Recently I learned how to keep my hands quick and attack pitches early in the count.
Q: As a catcher, tell us a little about your leadership role while on the field.
A: As a catcher I take pride in leadership. Being the “quarterback” on the field is awesome. I am the focal point and really help calm everyone down when stuff goes wrong, and keep a positive mindset.
Q: As a hitter, after facing a pitcher a couple of times in a game, you probably have a better idea of what he’s going to throw to you late in a game. Can you give us an example of how this has worked in your favor?
A: Recently I have seen a lot of first pitch curveballs, so as the game progresses I can see how the ball breaks and know when to swing.
Q: What aspect of your game did you work on most during the off-season?
A: I worked a lot on my body, losing 25 pounds, so I can be quick and nimble behind the plate. However for baseball I worked a lot on my swing, keeping it quick and short.
Q: Who is your favorite baseball player and why?
A: JT Realmuto – one, because he is a catcher; and two, because he is a great person who helps in the community. Lastly, he has an awesome swing and is part of my favorite team.
Q: What is your favorite ballpark and why?
A: Citizens Bank Park, because the electricity in the city is crazy especially in the playoffs. Also, the team is awesome and the environment in the city is crazy.
Q: You wear uniform jersey No. 13 for Radnor baseball. Was there a reason you chose this number – does this number have any significance to you?
A: Yes, I wear No. 13 for all my sports. This is the number that my dad wore when he was growing up and what he wore when he played third base for LaSalle University. To be able to wear the same number as my dad makes me feel honored and special.
Q: Tell us a little about your pre-game preparation the day of a game.
A: Stretch and water are crucial to keep my body loose and feeling great. I also eat clean throughout the day so I feel ready to play.
Q: Other than football, basketball and baseball, what other extracurricular activities do you participate in at Radnor?
A: Note in a Tote Club, FCA Club and Grub for Pups Club.
Q: What is your favorite academic course at Radnor? What do you think you might like to major in at college? Is there a career field that particularly interests you at the present time?
A: This year my favorite class at Radnor is Algebra 2 because my teacher messes with me a lot and that makes it easy to enjoy. I also like Chemistry because my teacher is the man. Going into college I want to do something in the sales business, because I’m very outgoing and persuasive so I think I could sell things. Some type of entrepreneurship is something that interests me.
Fun facts – Matt Szychulski
Favorite book: Wonder.
Favorite author: Stephen King.
Favorite TV show: Breaking Bad.
Favorite movie: Red Notice.
Favorite athlete: Jalen Hurts.
Favorite pre-game pump-up song: Run this town by Rhianna.
Favorite team: Philadelphia Eagles.
Favorite place to visit: Avalon, N.J.
Favorite pre-game meal: Chicken and rice or steak and rice.
Person I most admire, and why: “My mom and dad. My mom will always keep me positive no matter if I’m doing good or bad in life. Which is special to me because it makes me still find things fun. Also, my dad is strict on me and makes sure that I am always the best version of myself. Up until like 7th grade he coached me and has really taught me everything I know about baseball.”
Family members: parents Matt and Joanne, younger brother Caden, dog Carter.
(To be selected as Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by his coach.)
