On January 20, 2015, I had the pleasure of making the acquaintance of Peter Matarazzo ’15, a Ridge Varsity Baseball player. At the end of the 2015 school year, Matarazzo, a senior, will be graduating from Ridge High School and aspiring to pursue his dreams. Prior to his departure, I thought it would be beneficial to gain his perspective on baseball and his experiences.

Kunaal Gautam (reporter): Hello Pete. I know you are a prominent baseball player here at Ridge. Do you mind if I ask you a few questions?

Peter Matarazzo: Sure, I don’t mind.

KG: Where were you born?

PM: I was born in Hackensack, NJ.

KG: So you lived near New York. Coming from a guy born near New York, I assume that you favor the New York Yankees over the New York Mets?

PM: Yes, I’m a Yankees fan, and always will be. I started watching the Yankees when I was around six years old […] I started playing baseball when I was four. At that time, I never watched it, but it was always an intriguing sport to me.

KG: Over the years of your long tenure as a baseball player, what are some special moments you experienced?

PM: I have to say, my Little League years were truly special to me. During that formative stage, I had the distinctive honor of winning 3 out of 4 championships in a four year span.

KG: In the process of tryouts for the Ridge Baseball team, you must have gone through a very rigorous process. What motivated you to persevere and pursue your goal?

PM: Honestly, I had played baseball my whole life, and in my athletic development, it has been a key strongpoint. I would not back out of my goal to make the team.

KG: What has been your favorite moment while playing for Ridge?

PM: Oh. That’s a hard one. I would have to say, when we played against Voorhees and I hit a 307 foot bomb out of the park. I was on junior varsity at the time.

KG: The teams you played on must have been comprised of many talented players. Do you get along well with your teammates? What is it like to communicate with them?

PM: Throughout the past years on the team, I’ve met many talented and professional players that always exceed the coach’s expectations and surprise the team with their talents. I am very thankful to be on the same team with some of the most amazing teammates. We constantly cheer on each other and encourage them to perform even better. Of course, when we lose a match, we support each other and look forward to winning the next match. I would say that I [get along] well with all my teammates.

KG: With your prestigious reputation as an accomplished baseball player, do you plan to play for college?

PM: Unfortunately, no. I wish to pursue my academic goals. I wish to attend an academically motivated college which has high standards rather than a lower one.

KG: That’s very inspirational. Do you have any words of inspiration for the Ridge community?

PM: Indeed I do. I would have to say the most: never give up, no matter what you do! This may sound cheesy, but it really sets your goals in mind and gives you an easier opportunity to accomplish them.