By Chris Fuller
Kentucky Scouting Director

Eddie Mathis, a 6-foot, 165-pound LHP from South Oldham HS, took the mound at the Kentucky Top Prospect Games and proceeded to have one of the more impressive outings of the day.  With a fastball that sat 81-82 mph, there were many pitchers in attendance with more velocity, but few who showed the kind of pitchability and pin-point control that Mathis displayed.

Mathis attacked hitters with a two-seam fastball with good run, a cutter with late action, and a biting 68-73 mph curveball with the ability to pitch to both sides of the plate.

Mathis recently committed to Bellarmine, and we caught up with him to discuss his decision.

PBR: Why did you choose Bellarmine?

Mathis:  I chose Bellarmine University because academically it is a great school and it has a solid baseball program.  I really liked the coaches, and what they were trying to do with the program. Also, I knew Coach Owens’ background in coaching  and particularly in pitching , that he could help me realize my potential as a pitcher.

 
PBR: What other schools were you considering?
 

Mathis:  University of Dayton, EKU, St. Josephs, University of Cumberlands, IUS,

PBR:  Where did the coaching staff first see you compete?

Mathis:  Last year I went to a showcase at St. Catharine and after the showcase; I was informed by Coach Davis that St. Catharine was interested in me. When he moved over to Bellarmine, he contacted me, and asked me to come and look at Bellarmine.  

PBR: What role does Coach Owens expect you to play during your first year on campus?

Mathis:  Coach Owens has told me that he expects me to be a weekend starter for the Knights as long as I keep working hard.   

PBR:  Who has had the biggest impact on you as a baseball player?

Mathis:  My Dad has had a huge impact on me as a baseball player. He has pushed me the most out of anyone and has always been there for me with encouragement and criticism, to help me improve my game. My Mom has also been there to support me and to keep my confidence up, which has helped me get through my struggles. My travel coaches have helped me improve my skills tremendously. My High School Coaches, Coach Carter, Coach Wilson, and Coach Watkins, who I’ve played for since my eighth grade season, have helped me to be a better person and a better baseball player.  They have all helped me with the recruiting process as well. I want to thank all of my former and current coaches for all of their help.  I most importantly want to thank my parents for always being at my games and supporting me.

  

PBR: Who do you play for in the summer and what was your most exciting experience playing summer ball?

Mathis:  In the summer I play with the Louisville Panthers and with Shelbyville Legion. My most exciting experience playing summer ball is when I went with the Panthers down to East Cobb. That was one of the best weeks of my life.

PBR: What are your goals for your senior season at South Oldham?

Mathis:  My goals for my senior season are to help my team win its first regional championship and make a run for a state championship. I would also like to get 8 wins and have a 5:1 strikeout to walk ratio.

PBR: Who is the toughest hitter you have faced in Kentucky?

Mathis:  The toughest hitters I have faced in Kentucky are Tyler Marshall and Connor Heady. Both of them are currently at University of Kentucky. They both seemed to have my number and it was extremely hard to find a way to get them out.