Matty Ott is the man

Last night Matty Ott, LSU’s freshman closer, threw 3 scoreless innings (9th, 10th, 11th) against Texas to help LSU knock of the Longhorns in Game 1 of the 2009 College World Series finals.

Prior to that game, I knew absolutely nothing about Matty Ott. Now I’m officially one of his biggest fans.

I don’t know why, but I love this kid, and I really like this LSU team. I’m not going to break down stats and all of that–that’s not really my thing. But what I love to observe is body language, reactions to failure and success, and overall team mentality. Baseball players are renowned for arrogance–heck, athletes in general–but this group seems to have, if not Gandhian humility, at least some level heads.

But Matty Ott is perhaps my favorite of them all. And it feels weird breaking down athletes who are younger than me, but then, I’ve graduated from college, so all college athletes are now younger than me. Hm.

They call him “Matty Ice.” He’s a no-frills type of guy who throws three-quarters to sidearm from the right side with filthy movement and the coolest sneer I’ve ever seen on a pitcher. He pumps his fist after a big strikeout or inning. He’s got some fire about him, but he’s not overdramatic with it like the Fransisco Rodriguezes of the world. And he held Texas–Texas, they of the five solo home runs that game–scoreless in an epic clutch situation.

Well that’s about it for this one. Not really a true article, just your standard blog blurb.

But kids, take note of Matty Ott. I wish you all would try more to emulate guys like Ott than guys like Rodriguez. I don’t know what it is about being a Major League ballplayer, or any type of pro athlete, that makes so many of them go so bonkers, but it’s just weird. There’s no need for megadrama on the field, or anywhere in life, really. Just be what you are, and be the best version of it.

OK, done rambling.