by Vinny Messana
Sometimes a change of scenery is the best fit. For a player like Matt Buckshaw–who has already dealt with quite a bit of adversity in his career–this was the case.
He initially displayed his intestinal fortitude two years ago by overcoming two debilitating injuries on the field and still earning a spot on Stony Brook’s squad. Now, he’s showing some of the same courage and making a shift to a less prominent baseball institution, but one that could benefit his post-baseball career.
While his story may go beyond the typical coverage here at BOTI, it sends a positive message to college athletes that pursuing a career that suits you can be more crucial than the glamour of playing at a Div-I program.
I had a chance to speak with Buckshaw and here’s what he had to say…
Can you describe your time at Stony Brook?
Unbelievable. That is really the only way to describe it. During my time at Stony Brook I created countless friendships and made great memories. I really owe it to my teammates for making Stony Brook such a fun and enjoyable place. We were a really close team so I was always with one of the guys on the team and enjoying our time at school. Not only was it a great place because of my friends and teammates but because it was a great academic school. I was able to play at a great baseball program and enjoy some of my favorite memories on a baseball field while receiving great academic school.
Photo Credit: James Escher
What made you choose Maritime?
There are a lot reasons why I chose Maritime. The Maritime baseball program is on the uprise because of the great coaching staff, lead by coach Charlie Barbieri and joined with former big leaguer Frank Rodriguez. Maritime finished third in the conference last year. Whether it is pitching, fielding or hitting I feel I am able to contribute to the team and win a championship. While I am able to enjoy a great baseball program I also have the opportunity to earn an unbelievable degree. Maritime has a 100% employment rate after graduation and as a student that is something you can’t ignore. Maritime is a great fit for me because I spend a lot of my time fishing, on a boat or just being around the water. I really felt that Maritime offered the best of both worlds and I would enjoy my time the most at Maritime.
Is it a tough decision to weigh continuing your Div-I playing career versus going to the best academic school you can get in?
This was not an easy decision at all. At Stony Brook we had it great. We played some of the best teams in the nation and played at some of the nicest stadiums in college baseball. Playing against Florida, TCU, NC State, Baylor, and Louisiana Lafayette was awesome and traveling around the country was a great experience. However, I wanted to be more apart of the games by playing more and that’s something that was not going to happen at Stony Brook because of the quality of arms we had on our staff. Division 1 baseball is great, but so is earning a great degree and receiving a great job opportunity when your schooling is over. I didn’t want to lose focus of my future when deciding whether or not I would be continuing at Stony Brook. This is a great decision for myself because I will be playing a lot of baseball and receiving a great degree.
What are your hopes for your baseball career? What do you know about Maritime?
My hopes for my baseball career is for me to play a lot. While at Maritime I will have the opportunity to go back to hitting and playing the field and not just pitch. This is great for me because I just want to play–it doesn’t matter where. If coach needs me to play anywhere I will do it. I have three years left of college baseball and I want do the most I can in those three years.
What are your hopes for your post-baseball career?
My hopes for my post-baseball career is for me to be involved with boating industry in some way. I am strongly considering becoming a captain but when that time gets closer I am sure I will know what I want to do.
What type of influence did your family have on this?
My family had a huge influence on this decision. I needed the approval from my family that they thought that this move was beneficial for me and that they supported me. My entire life I have been on the water whether it is fishing, at the beach or enjoying a night on the water. Being around the water is something I have known since I was a little kid because of my family.
