Pitcher becomes first Farmingdale College alum to be drafted
Most baseball admirers can’t help but view the game through a romanticized lens; there’s something universal about the image of a kid practicing in his backyard, dreaming he’ll one day hit a game winning home run or deliver a clutch pitching performance on the biggest stage. Matt Seelinger has held that dream for as long as he can remember.
“My dad got me into baseball real early,” recalled Seelinger, who this past spring completed his pitching career at Farmingdale State College. “Since I was about 3 years old, I have had a bat and ball in my hand. I have been playing ever since.”
Now Seelinger’s dream is one step closer to reality, as he was recently selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 28th round of the MLB draft. The Westbury resident is the first player in the history of Farmingdale State College to receive that opportunity, something he still can’t quite believe.
“I wish I could describe it in words. No words can explain or come close to expressing how I felt,” said Seelinger, who participated in workouts for both the Pirates and the Houston Astros prior to the draft. “The Pirates had me fill out paperwork, but as all the scouts said, there are never any guarantees. Sitting in front of the computer watching each round go by was the most nerve-racking part. When they announced my name it was just the greatest feeling. I will never forget that day.”
Naturally, Seelinger was quick to credit his coaches, teammates and athletic advisors from Farmingdale State College for allowing him to take the next step in his career, calling their collective support a “highlight” in his college career. In particular, Seelinger pointed to the influence of head coach Keith Osik as crucial to teaching him to make speedy adjustments to his game. Interestingly, Osik was also drafted by the Pirates, in 1990, and played seven seasons for them.
“Coach Osik was tough. He wants to win and expects you to perform,” Seelinger said. “You always have to be ready. His influence helped me to gain the confidence to play under pressure and pitch well—a trait that is definitely needed in the minors and beyond. All of the coaches at Farmingdale State work hard for the team. I gained so much from that program.”
However, Seelinger also gained an immeasurable amount from his upbringing. He cites both of his parents as his biggest supporters growing up, and feels his dad “passed his passion for the game to me.”
“My father played ball growing up and into high school. He loves the game. He knows the game inside out,” Seelinger said. “He taught me to respect myself, teammates, coaches and the game itself. My dad has coached me since I was on my first tee-ball team when I was six years old. I can always turn to him; he is always there for me.”
Seelinger is currently playing for the West Virginia Black Bears in Short Season A ball. His decorated high school and college pitching career gives him reason to be confident—he was named All-State, All-Conference and All-County while at Clarke High School and won the Skyline Pitcher of the Year award during his junior year at Farmingdale, which was also the year he first became nationally ranked. But he also has no delusions about what it takes to reach the big leagues: his challenges thus far have included getting used to life on the road, growing comfortable with new teammates and piling on innings.
“I am making the adjustment,” Seelinger said. “In the minors, as a pitcher, you start off slow. You add innings pitched as you go. The travel, that takes some getting used to—long bus rides. But it’s all worth it. I wouldn’t trade anything. I expected it would be a lot of hard work and it is. It is my job. I take it serious, but I am loving every moment.”
Whatever happens on Seelinger’s road to the majors, he takes solace in knowing that he remained dedicated to his studies and earned his degree. Seelinger believes the passion he has to find success in all corners of life, be it on or off the field, is ultimately what keeps him going.
“I am proud that I stayed the course in college, did well and earned my degree. Everyone needs a backup in life. Things change from moment to moment. You can never sit back and wait for things to happen. My parents always supported my baseball career, but they continuously stressed the importance of school,” Seelinger said, before adding, “Baseball is such a huge part of my life. I hope I get to ride this dream for a long time. I am very lucky and I am not taking anything for granted. I will work hard to keep my dream alive.”
