Adelphi has had a long history of excellence on the baseball field and even amidst that list of outstanding performers, Matt Alifano warrants inclusion with the best of the best. The Center Moriches grad helped the Red Devils to a perfect season in 2019 and kept that momentum going into 2020 when he started his collegiate career on a tear before the pandemic ended the season abruptly.
It was in 2021 when he truly broke out for the Panthers.
Matt Alifano’s first collegiate HR was a grand slam. The sophomore is batting .419 on the season pic.twitter.com/b3Z6yd4K9S
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) March 29, 2021
He batted .394 – which was the highest for a Panther since Rich Mejia and Cliff Brantley in 2014. But what separated him from the pack was his pop from the leadoff spot in the order. He crushed seven home runs, drove in 33 runs, batted .500 with RISP including .419 with two outs. He had a 14 game hitting streak which included eight multi-hit games. He captured virtually every individual award and we named him Axcess Baseball’s Most Valuable Player.
All he did was follow that up with a better season in 2022, batting .401 with 9 HRs and 46 RBIs out of the leadoff spot. He was part of an incredible trio atop the Panthers order along with Kyle Olson and Mike Draskin.in which they all had an OPS over 1.200 for much of the season. He scored a ridiculous 60 runs in 47 games and even drew 42 walks which was good for a .516 OBP.
Alifano was even tasked with sliding over to shortstop during the regionals when the team needed him.
Simply put, you can’t really have a better two-year collegiate career than Alifano who finishes his Adelphi tenure with a .387 AVG, .499 OBP and .662 SLG. He crushed 16 homers, drove in 88 runs, scored 106 runs over 90 games.
He was signed by the Philadelphia Phillies as an undrafted free agent shortly after the draft and will begin his professional career. The Phillies are home to several of the best Long Island natives over the past decade. Catcher Logan O’Hoppe (St. John the Baptist 2018) was just in the MLB Futures Game and is knocking on the door of the big leagues. RHP Ben Brown (Ward Melville 2017) was just promoted to Double-A after tearing up High-A ball. They also have Vito Friscia (Hofstra 2019), Nick Fanti (Hauppauge 2015) in the system and drafted Jesse Berardi (Commack) in 2014, Kyle Young (St Dominic) in 2016, Brian Morrell (Shoreham-Wading River) in 2017 and Logan Koester (Chaminade) in 2019.
I had a chance to speak with Alifano and here’s what he had to say…
What have the past couple weeks been like since signing your professional contract?
The past week has been a fast-paced but enjoyable week for me. From getting a call to sign and then two days later having to leave home have given me plenty of different emotions. I am truly grateful and excited to start my journey as a professional baseball player as it has been a dream come true. First stop is Clearwater, Florida for minicamp!
Who are some people who have had a positive impact on your life?
The main people who have had an impact on me are my family and friends. My family has been supportive through all my ups and downs, and I don’t know where I would be without them. I truly take pride in my choice of friends as they have all kept me in check and given me all the advice and help, I could have ever wanted from a group of people.
Choosing a Div-II school generally makes an extremely tough road to pro ball but you were able to do it. What was your time like at Adelphi and what was it about the experience that you enjoyed most?
Obviously, there is the vision that if you choose a division ii school you are already at the bottom of the barrel when it comes to becoming a pro or getting into a successful summer ball league. You always hear people talk about that if your talented they will find you no matter the scenario and that is something that stuck with me. I wouldn’t change a thing with my decision to go to Adelphi. Although it was a great athletic and academic school and experience it was more than that. I created bonds and friendships that are going to last with me a lifetime. I also want to shoutout to the Adelphi athletics program and staff for all the support over my years they did an amazing job.
What has been your biggest thrill on a baseball field been?
My biggest thrill on a baseball field was probably hitting my first college home run. I ended up hitting a grand slam as my first home run and it was an amazing experience, one that I will never forget.
Favorite players in Major League Baseball?
My favorite player in the MLB right now is Dansby Swanson. I have been watching him since he was at Vanderbilt and the way he plays the game and carries himself is something I want to do in the future.
Was baseball always your No. 1 sport growing up?
Growing up I was playing almost any sport I could get my hands on. Whether it was baseball, soccer, basketball, football, etc., I just wanted to be doing something, Baseball became more of my number 1 sport due to the time playing with my friends. I loved playing with my friends, so I think that really helped baseball develop into my number 1 sport. After that I just fell in love with it and dedicated everything I had to it and here I am now.
Favorite app on your phone?
My favorite app on my phone is Spotify. Music helps me with everything. I listen to it every day whether is rap, rock, or country.
Favorite type of food?
My favorite type of food is Mexican food.
Favorite musical artist?
My favorite musical artist is Chris Stapleton. I started listening to him about and year ago and haven’t been able to stop since.
Favorite vacation spot?
I went on a trip to Nashville a little while ago for a baseball tournament and it was a great experience. The food and live music is something that would make you want to go back.
Dream car?
My dream car is a matte black Ferrari.
