by Vinny Messana
One of the big reasons Hauppauge has won back-to-back League V titles is their balance.
While many people assumed Nick Fanti was the reason for their 17-1 season in 2015, it’s important to remember that sophomore first baseman Matt Overton was a terrific player on that team. This past season, he was every bit as crucial to their successful season.
Today he verbally committed to Molloy College, the first of two important commitments that they received from 2017 graduates on Long Island (Jacob McCarthy).
I had a chance to speak with Overton and here’s what he had to say…
First off congratulations on the commitment–can you speak a little about the process and why you chose Molloy?
The recruiting process was a very short one for me. It was actually pretty late in the summer only really picking up in July. Having the opportunity of visiting and talking to programs such as Molloy, Adelphi and West Point– it was all very exciting. Many thoughts crossed my mind days after I was first offered by Molloy and Coach Fucarino and I just felt that was where my heart was leading me. What made me decide on Molloy was many things such as; my family and friends can come watch me, a great opportunity to play as well as a great education and pursue a career in law enforcement while Molloy has a great criminal justice program which I look to major in. Everything at Molloy works out for me and has everything I was looking for in my future.
Who are some people who influenced your decision?
Surprisingly no one really influenced my decision. I talked to my coaches; Coach Parsolano, Coach Gutes and Tom Downey about it all, but I felt as it was my choice. They helped guide the way and couldn’t have done it without them. I also talked it over with my family for days and they told me to do whatever makes me happy which made me think hard about what I really wanted. I even contacted Coach Fucarino before telling my parents so I felt as if it was in my own hands and really making my first adult decision by myself.
Now that the process is over, what are your goals for 2017?
My goals for 2017 now are to mainly focus on my studies in school and just working hard to get better and better to be able to play and compete at the next level and be successful. Also I hope to help lead Hauppauge to another league title for our school and community.
Your Head Coach, Josh Gutes, has really done a tremendous job with Hauppauge, what can you say about the impact he’s had on you?
I have known Coach Gutes since I was about 8 and he always wanted to see me succeed even from a young age. He has always pushed me in the right direction and has been a great coach and a great person as well, in school and on and off the field. We have grown very close over the last two varsity seasons and has granted me with great opportunities. Even over the summer he runs camps and has me come down to teach and help out with the future of Hauppauge baseball. He has always been positive and is a great coach and person and has helped me be the player and person I am today.
Who are some big leaguers that you try to emulate?
As being probably the only Baltimore Orioles fan in New York I really look up to Manny Machado since he was in the minor leagues. I love the way he plays and how he carries himself and how smooth and great of a player he is.
