Running For His Life: Why Matt Diaz’ Fastball Will Get You Paying Attention to NYIT

“If you don’t lose a lot of weight, you won’t be a part of this team.”

This is what Matt Diaz was told by Coach Bob Malvagna when he showed up to school at 250 lbs despite getting rave reviews from his high school coach–Joe Cubas.

After all, Cubas had a great reputation within the baseball community as the coach who discovered Orlando “El Duque” Hernandez and vouched for the Miami-native Diaz as a worthy athlete to pitch at NYIT. Upon hearing that, Diaz knew it was time to kick his workout regimen into high gear.

Now a senior and in the best shape of his life at 205 lbs, Diaz is finally living up to the potential that he showed while pitching in Miami as a high school prospect. He was getting recruited by many schools; notably Florida Atlantic University, before Tommy John derailed his progress.

“It effected my recruiting process greatly,” he said.

No longer were high-end Div-I schools down south interested in him. Now he needed to prove that he was even worthy to pitch in college, and that was only after he returned to full health.

Once he completed his rehab, Coach Cubas recommended Diaz–along with three of his other athletes–to Coach Malvagna. They all decided to attend NYIT, although Diaz is currently the only one of the group still playing there.

The first year was especially rough as the Bears struggled to find their way and won only four games. They improved both years since then, however, and Diaz is confident in the direction of the program.

He finished 2016 with 49 Ks in 48.1 IP and only one HR allowed. Upon the completion of the season, he pitched in our Battle of the Border game and fired a scoreless inning in front of the scouts while hitting 95 MPH with his heater. While a handful of teams (Mets, Cardinals, Twins, Mariners) were interested in drafting him, ultimately his name was not called on draft day.

He wound up pitching in the MINK League in the midwest and performing very well. He promised himself that he would go back to school and put his best effort forward in preparation for his senior season.

He continued to throw the ball well when he went back to NYIT in the fall. On scout day, he was among the arms on the pitching staff that opened many eyes.

Diaz, Elias Martinez and Frank Valentino all worked in the low-to-mid 90s with their fastballs and should form a formidable trio at the top of the rotation.

He stated that after Christmas, Martinez moved down to Miami to work out with Diaz and his trainer in hopes of getting in the best shape possible and the early returns are very positive. Diaz added that they have both been adding velocity through a rigorous workout regimen heavy on running and band work.

“I’m more confident in my stuff now,” he said. “I realized I can dial it back a little and get hitters out. Sometimes less is more,” he added.

2017 tryouts will be on Jan. 15 at MacArthur HS!

Despite remaining an independent program, Diaz noted the players take a lot of pride in turning around the NYIT program.

“The No. 1 goal is to win ballgames. The core group of these guys have been through so much. Everyone has really come together. We have a lot of talent on this team.”

He noted that he is especially impressed with the freshman class. Players like Ben McNeill–who he stated has “hands of gold” and Brendan Dowd have simply gone about their business and never complained once. They have some very promising talent on the roster and Diaz is excited to see what they can do.

The Bears will open up on February 17 at Arkansas State as they attempt to improve on last year’s 17-win campaign.