It is no secret that players on Long Island have long been overlooked. More specifically, players from the east end have been overlooked as they have to not only deal with the cold weather, but the issue that some college coaches and pro scouts don’t often make the trek out east. Some players have broken through recently, specifically Kyle McGowin of Pierson and Chris Pike of Southampton, but the challenge remains.
Travel organizations like the East Coast Lumberjacks are helping to eliminate that challenge as they travel around and play in the most competitive tournaments in the country during the summer.
Riverhead RHP/INF Matt Zambrinski is one of those players that is hoping to break through. The big righty was called up to varsity as an 8th grader. His coach, Kevin Kerman, had the following to say:
“Matt came up mid season last year and stuck with us the rest of the way. great kid tons of potential. Will be a freshman in the starting rotation this spring.”
His summer coach, Ryan Pembroke, had the following to say:
“This past year, Matt had a great year. He hovered around .400 all year and finished the season with a .385 AVG, 11 doubles and 3 triples. He also struck out 55 batters over 35 innings and held opponents to a .205 AVG. Matt also filled in with the 2026s and was an impactful player. Matt has untapped potential standing at 6’3, 160 lbs with more to gain, he was sitting in the low 80s, with more velocity coming. e are extremely excited to see the growth with Matt as he joins the Lumberjacks tradition of producing high level arms.”
Zambriski was named to 8 PG All-Tournament teams. He will certainly be a player to watch in the coming years.
I spoke with him and here’s what he had to say…
Who are some people that have had a positive influence on your career?
My parents, of course. They bring me up when I’m down and push me harder than I could ever go myself. Also, all of my coaches like Coach Ryan Pembroke, Coach Dan Pembroke, Coach Kyle Crean and Coach Tommy Benedetto. Also, my Riverhead coaches like Coach Kerman, Coach Russo and Coach Jay Perez
Who are your favorite players in Major League Baseball?
Some of my favorite players in Major League Baseball have to be Rafael Devers, as a Red Sox fan, and I, of course, like Mike Trout because he’s been very influential to me and I also love Bryce Harper’s dedication to the game.
Do you work with any private instructors?
Yes, I hit with Coach Ryan Pembroke at 365 Athletics and I pitch with Coach Neal Heaton at Play Like a Pro. I also do semi-private workouts at Infiniti Performance and I’ve hit with Coach Brennan Strovink and pitched with Coach Eric Reichenbach.
What has been your biggest thrill on a baseball field?
My biggest thrill on the baseball field is probably when a lot of my buddies and I played on the Riverhead LLWS team. We played one of our biggest rivals in the District 36 Championship game. I pitched 6 innings. They scored to tie the game and m next at bat I hit a home run. We ended up winning in extra innings.
What are your goals for this season?
This season I have goals of getting strong physically. I also want to get better at controlling the baseball when I pitch. That’s been the biggest struggle in the past couple of years.
What was the best baseball trip you’ve been on?
The best baseball trip I’ve been on was last year when my Lumberjacks team and I went down to Alabama for the WWBA. I had a lot of fun and got an All-Tournament team for pitching and for hitting. It was a great trip and I can’t wait for next year.
Favorite restaurant on Long Island?
Probably Birchwood in Riverhead. It’s got a good burger and waffle fries.
Favorite app on your phone?
Spotify. I’m always listening to music and it’s the easiest way to listen to music.
Favorite movie?
My favorite movie is probably Field of Dreams. You can never go wrong with a Kevin Costner baseball movie.
Favorite vacation spot?
My favorite vacation spot is the Outer Banks in North Carolina, even though I haven’t been there in a while.
Dream Car?
Definitely a Shelby, Cobra. I’m into those old American cars and it is nice and just clean.
