This is the twelfth installment of the popular ‘Up Next’ series in which we highlight the top underclassmen on Long Island.Previously, we featured Dylan Weinstein, Jaxson Torres, Richie Roberts, Joe Maxwell, Dom Muccia, Fred Klauck, Logan Lamberson, Jake Ostertag, Mason Gatchalian, Jagger Franco & Evan Frangas. You can view all of them by clicking here. Special thanks to Ken Kortright State Farm Agency for sponsoring this year’s series.)
Over the past two seasons, if there was a big game to be played for the New York Longhorns then you could expect Ryan Matson to be on the mound. The Longhorns have been among the top performing organizations since their inception so you can safely assume there were plenty of those games.
The numbers are pretty mind boggling for the 6’1 175 lb right-hander since September 2023:
6’1 RHP Ryan Matson (St. Anthony’s 2028) pic.twitter.com/n4FXmEMYlK
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) January 20, 2025
32 appearances (28 starts)
22 wins, 1 loss, 1 save
1.67 ERA
As you could expect, he was rewarded with plenty of accolades – 7x PG All Tournament, 2x PG Pitcher MVP.
Erik Paulsen Sr, who is the founder of the organization had the following to say:
Ryan started with the New York Longhorns at 13u and over the last two years he has been called on to pitch every big game for us. Obviously, we would love to always save Ryan for the championship game but in elevation tournaments he is getting the ball against the toughest team every time.
You could say baseball is in his blood – his grandfather, Al Matson, played in the 1968 College World Series in Omaha with St. John’s University and was a first round draft pick of the Philadelphia Phillies in 1970.
Ryan is a freshman at St. Anthony’s, the reigning CHSAA Champs, who have plenty of talent in the pipeline. He looks like he could be among those.
He spoke to Axcess Baseball and he had the following to say…
Was baseball always your No. 1 sport? Do you play other sports?
Baseball has always been my favorite and best sport. I also played basketball and volleyball through 8th grade. So far at St. Anthony’s is just baseball.
Any family members played college sports?
My late grandfather, Al Matson, started in right field at St. John’s on their 1968 College World Series team. He was also drafted in the 1st round of the 1970 MLB Draft by the Philadelphia Phillies, playing 3 years in the minor leagues. My mom and dad played two years each of basketball in college and my cousin, Louis Pizzileo, currently pitches in college for Old Westbury.
Who are some people that have had a positive impact on your career?
My parents and grandparents always support me, win or lose. My coaches at LSW and the NY Longhorns have also been great in teaching me the right way to play the game and making sure the highs aren’t too high and the lows aren’t too low.
What has been the most thrilling moment of your career?
This past summer I was named MVPitcher of the PG Northeast Select Championship when I pitched for the Longhorns in the semifinals vs. Beast Black, one of the best teams around. We won, 2-1, and I was one batter away from a complete game when I reached the mandatory pitch limit. After we lost in the finals, I didn’t expect to receive the award, and it was definitely a thrill when I did.
How have you enjoyed your time with the Longhorns?
My time with the Longhorns has been great. I am learning a lot from Coach Erik Paulsen and all our coaches about the game and what it takes to get to an elite level. The practices are excellent and playing in a lot of competitive games with teammates that are now friends has been fun.
What were your goals going into the offseason?
I am working on getting stronger and becoming more athletic. Eating better and working out consistently and becoming a more consistent hitter and first baseman.
Do you take private lessons with any instructors?
For pitching, I work with Anthony Papa at Prospect Sports. I’ve hit with Brian Anderson at Prospect, and recently with Dan Luisi at Max Effort as part of Longhorns small group training. Leo Thomas in the weight room at Prospect has also been great.
What are your goals for 2025?
I’d like to get my velocity above 80 MPH by the time the Spring season begins, developing more consistent off-speed pitches as well. Working hard to get more chances to hit and play the field as well when I am not pitching. Also want to support my teammates in any way I can.
What was the best baseball trip you’ve been on?
Cooperstown during 12u with the LSW Astros. Even through we lost in the quarterfinals, it was a great week with coaches and teammates I had been with for 5 years. Staying in the bunks with everyone was a lot of fun and the fields at All Star Village were great.
Favorite app on your phone?
Bleacher Report – so I can keep up with the news on all my favorite sports teams as it happens.
Any pregame superstitions?
I like to try and get to the field first before any of my teammates, and I usually don’t like to eat close to gamete.
Favorite restaurant on Long Island?
Snaps American Bistro in Wantagh. Great lobster Mac & Cheese.
Walkup song for 2025?
Enter Sandman by Metallica, because of my favorite baseball player, #42 – Mariano Rivera
Favorite vacation spot?
Woodloch Pines in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. We usually go with all my cousins and extended family, most of who I don’t get to see that often. It’s always a great time there.
Favorite movie?
Home Alone
Dream Car?
Lamborghini