TBR Interview -- Matt Payne

Matt Payne, Alexander Central, North Carolina State Signee

It took a bit since Matt is so busy, but I finally caught up with him and got an interview. Matt’s parents are Kevin and Teresa Payne. He has a younger sister, Monica, who is in the 4th grade at Hiddenite Elementary. Kevin works for Classic Leather in Hickory as a supervisor and Teresa works for Catawba Valley Bank. Matt was kind enough to answer some of our questions so people would get to know him.

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Matt, congratulations on your signing with NC State. Tell us about it?

It is a great honor. I really like the coaches there and I feel like it is a good situation for me


Alexander Central is always one of the strongest teams in the state in 4A ball. How do you feel you guys will do this year?

I think we can do very well. We have a lot of seniors and some very talented baseball players


What advice do you have for some of the younger players out there who have the same dreams that you have?

Set your goals and dream big. You have to work hard to be good. A lot of times that means working hard and going to the field when you don't feel like it.


What has been your routine during the off-season to improve and reach your level of success?

I worked hard to improve my strength and quickness. I also worked on keeping my swing more consistent and keeping my pitching mechanics the same.


Who is the best young player (or player) that you have played with?

I played with Garret Gore this fall. Dustin Harrington is probably the best young player.


What's your favorite food?

A Crossroads Grill Cheeseburger


And your favorite movie is?

The Sandlot


What is something about you that most of the baseball readers on the board don’t know?

I played three years of varsity basketball in high school


What is one of your favorite memories growing up?

Going to Disney World and Universal Studios with my family and playing golf with my grandpa.


Who has had the greatest influence on you as a player?

My Dad


What event, other than baseball, has had the greatest impact on your life?

The death of my grandfather. It showed me how important it is to enjoy the time you spend with people you love.

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I want to thank Matt for taking the time to respond to our questions. As you can tell, he is a fine young man who is going to have a great career at NC State. If you haven’t seen him play yet, take the time to catch ACHS. It will be one of the best HS teams you will see in the state.

 

Matt Payne is a class act and a great pitcher too! My son has been lucky enough to play with Matt at State Games and on the Red Sox Team. State is lucky to have signed such a talented young man. I hope he and his teammates at ACHS have a great season! Sounds like Matt and ACHS are well on their way to a state championship!!!

 

What a great young man. Baseball skills aside for a second and let's talk character. Discussions at the Catawba Valley Easter tournament today indicated that Matt had decided to decline an opportunity to attend tryouts for the Senior NC State Games so that another AC teammate, who had not committed or signed, could attend and perhaps be seen by college recruiters. If you do not know Matt, take the opportunity to introduce yourself and spend a few minutes with a great young man. Back to baseball skills. Take the opportunity to see the young man pitch and play short. You will not see a better curve ball in high school.

NCSU is getting a first class individual. Congratulations to Matt and his family.

 

What is your thoughts........

on the man who has coached you over your HS career?

 

Matt continuing his outstanding play today in the Catawba Valley Easter classic by going 2 for 2. Both hits cleared the 385 fence in center.
Makes at least 7 homers this year.
AC won the game over Fred T Foard 7-4.

 

I've never had the opportunity to meet Matt, but I sure feel like I know him.
For the past two years, Coach Danny Highnight would never stop talking about him. In fact, at one time, there was some discussion of Matt coming to Charlotte for the summer. Boy were we looking forward to that. Obviously, it did not happen, but it hasn't stopped Coach Higgy from talking about him.

Good luck the rest of the year, but especially in your success at NC State.

 

What else can be said about Matty P. I cherish the days that I coached this fine young man. I hope that he learned 1/2 from me, compared to what I learned from him over the couple of years that I coached him. Matt truly deserves all of the praise and reward that is coming his way. He and the other 12 seniors have worked hard over the last 2 years and to get to where they are today (hopefully 1st in the state). Good luck Cougars on the remainder of the year, and I am always cheering for you from a distance!

 

Matt had another dinger last night in a 12-0 win it the Catawba Valley Easter Classic. Makes eight for the year. NC STATE is getting a hitter as well as a pitcher

 

Matt received the MVP award for the Catawba Valley Easter Tournament tonight. He had 3 home runs and a pitching win.

 

GREAT!!!!!!

Yet knowing Avent the way I have followed him with the sigining of a player of mine I am afraid Matt will be "forced" to make a decision to play the field or pitch full time unfortunately!? Seems like he can do it all which is rare! I hope the best for him sincerely!