Lee Trawick: Reporter2@riverbendnews.org
Matthew Jenkins, a Lafayette High School graduate, represented the Hornets and Santa Fe College at Hanley Field in Lakeland, Fla., where he appeared in the prestigious Florida Athletic Coaches Association (FACA) All-Star game on Monday, June 12 and Tuesday, June 13. Jenkins arrived in Lakeland surrounded by top talent throughout Florida. Players selected to appear received a personal invitation from FACA by recommendations of Florida high school coaches or professional scouts who would like to see the top talent face off against one another.
Jenkins received his invitation from the recommendation of professional scouts after posting an undefeated season for the Hornets with a 9-0 record, an earned run average of 1.51 and 85 strikeouts in 51 innings on the season. He never allowed more than two runs in a single outing and, in four consecutive outings, he held opposing teams to zero runs.
Jenkins admits he did not know what to expect, but was excited for the opportunity, and equally humbled and honored. He was proud to represent his high school at such an event. The All-Stars were divided into four teams: the North, South, East and West. Jenkins found himself on the North team.
As Jenkins began his morning workouts, he could feel the electricity in the air, and understood the magnitude and honor of receiving such an invitation. Then, when he took a moment to look around, he found himself surrounded by professional scouts and college coaches who would introduce themselves and congratulate him on his selection. "I didn't know what to say; everyone there knew me and made me feel like I belonged," Jenkins said. "I looked around, and everywhere I looked, guys were throwing mid 90s and mashing the ball at the plate. I was just so grateful to be there. But I knew I was there for a reason, and I couldn't wait to get out there and show them what I could do."
Late in game one, Jenkins found himself on the mound surrounded by future major league draft picks and Division 1 college players. He settled right in, striking out the first two batters he faced before getting the next hitter to pop up for the third out of the inning in only nine pitches. He then came out for the following inning, where he continued his dominance by only needing 16 pitches to get out of the inning, allowing zero runs on one hit over two innings with two strikeouts. While Jenkins may have not allowed a single run, unfortunately, the North fell to the South, 3-2.