Lee Trawick
Reporter2@riverbendnews.org
When young boys put on their first pair of cleats and feel the clay beneath their feet, baseball quickly becomes part of their dreams. At least, that was the case for Lafayette High School senior Matthew Jenkins. Unlike with many baseball greats, who began playing the sport as soon as they could walk, Jenkins was eight-years-old when he first picked up a baseball. However, it was evident he was gifted a bit differently than his peers. Jenkins always threw harder and farther than most. It would be two years before he would start pitching, however, the baseball dream had already consumed his thoughts.
Jenkins grew up in Suwannee County, where he climbed the Suwannee Babe Ruth league ranks to one day wear the green and white as part of Bulldog nation. Then, he watched the 2019 Bulldogs baseball team advance to the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) State Championship series Final Four. He could not wait for his opportunity to be a part of something as unique and electrifying as performing on such a grand stage. Then, as a junior playing on one of the most talented teams in Bulldogs history, Jenkins was fortunate enough to be part of such a journey, as the 2022 Bulldogs returned to the FHSAA State Championship series Final Four.
As Jenkins began the off-season following his junior year, he focused on gaining velocity and better control of his body and pitches. After growing into his 6’6” frame, Jenkins gained confidence in his abilities and reached 93 miles per hour velocity on his fastball. During this time, he was invited to work out for the Santa Fe College baseball coach, which Jenkins knew was the moment he had dreamed about ever since he felt the clay beneath his feet. With his future hanging on every pitch, Jenkins shined and impressed the coaches, who then offered him a spot at the next level following his high school career.
However, entering his senior season, Jenkins had to make a decision he felt was best for his progression and development. He decided to transfer to Lafayette High School in Mayo and finish his high school career as a Hornet. By doing so, Jenkins propels the Hornets into a position for a deep run into the playoffs. Following a strong summer showing in the travel ball ranks and throughout fall baseball as a Hornet, Jenkins will be expected to help lead Lafayette this season on the mound. He will be joining a pitching staff that boasted a team earned run average of 1.68 a season ago under Head Coach Tim Hanson. Jenkins hopes to step in and be a great teammate for the Hornets, and will do whatever is asked of him to ensure they win.
Jenkins begins game days differently than most days. He wakes up with baseball on his mind. He focuses on a healthy breakfast, and continues eating right throughout the day. He begins preparing his mindset early in the day for the job on the baseball field that night. With this routine, he is not nervous about the moment's lights, but instead about letting his teammates down. However, that nervous energy is soothed as he takes solace in knowing he has prepared to the best of his ability and has positioned himself for success.
"Baseball has been a dream of mine since the first time I touched a baseball. I have always wanted to be a Florida Gator, and I am one step closer to doing that. Santa Fe College will allow me to get there by playing in their backyard. However, that is not my end goal," Jenkins said. "Lord willing, I will be a Cy Young award-winning pitcher and Hall-of-Famer. That is my goal."
On Wednesday, Nov. 9, Jenkins signed his letter of intent to play baseball at Santa Fe College. For the first time after a long journey, Jenkins could catch his breath and reflect on how blessed he has been with the support of those around him to allow him this opportunity. "I am grateful for my dad; he has always pushed me to go harder and do more. Sometimes, he pushes me further than I even imagined I could go in efforts to help me grow and get better," Jenkins said. "I couldn't be more proud and grateful for my parents, who have always supported me and everything they have done that has allowed me to have this opportunity."
While Jenkins may be a little hesitant moving away following his high school career, he is comforted by his faith and favorite Bible verse, Hebrews 12:11-12: "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."