The past week or so has been pretty exciting for Brad Mathiowetz.
Mathiowetz, who recently graduated from Mayo, added to his growing list of baseball accomplishments on Sunday when he was named Minnesota's Mr. Baseball for high school players.
"It feels really awesome," Mathiowetz said. "I'm definitely humbled to be mentioned in the same category with the other players."
Mathiowetz was one of seven finalists for the award. But his stellar numbers put him over the top. During his senior season, Mathiowetz batted .570 with 18 home runs and 54 RBIs. The 18 home runs were just one off the state single-season record. Mathiowetz, also a stellar defensive player as a catcher, finished his career with 24 home runs.
"I was just happy to be in the top seven because it was a great group of guys," he said of the Mr. Baseball honor. "To be the winner, that makes it extra happy."
ADVERTISEMENT
Mathiowetz helped Mayo to a runner-up finish in the Section One, Class AAA tournament, just a win away from a state berth. Last week he was drafted in the 35th round of the amateur draft by the Minnesota Twins.
Mathiowetz has committed to play college ball at Des Moines Area Community College. But those plans could chance if he turns pro. The Twins have yet to make him a contract offer.
"They want to get some more looks at me," Mathiowetz said.
The Twins have and will get those opportunities. Mathiowetz is playing American Legion ball for the Rochester Redhawks for now. He is using a wood bat (as opposed to aluminum) and already hit a home run.
Mathiowetz will also play in the annual Minnesota Lions All-Star Series this Friday and Saturday in Chaska. The series is for the elite seniors in the state. He will be joined by Mayo teammate Jackson Douglas, a left-hander pitcher, and Century outfielder Jordan Jasik.
Century pitcher Mitch Brown was Minnesota's Mr. Baseball in 2012. Brown is now in the Cleveland Indians' minor-league system.
