JASON MATTHEWS

Jason Matthews could very well be the first Maori Major League Baseball player.

The talented short-stop from Papakura had been gaining momentum in national teams and invitations to MLB international academies when, in 2016 he was offered an opportunity of a lifetime to attend community college in Iowa.

Like most Kiwi baseball stories, softball was the family's first love.  However, unlike most Kiwi kids stories, they didnt lose both their parents at age 7.  Fortunately for Jason, his sister Sue who was only 18 herself stepped in to keep the family together and ensure that her brother could chase his baseball dream.

The former Alfriston College student had been tearing it up on the diamond for the Southeast Community College Blackhawks leading them to the NJCAA play offs when in 2018 the next step in his baseball career arrived with his signing with the University of South Carolina Upstate. A number of top colleges were after Jason’s services and, following a number of approaches he decided on USCU, a Division One school in the NCAA competition. 

The Baseball New Zealand Foundation was able to support Jason in 2018 with funds towards his college education costs.

After a successful season with the Auckland Tuatara in the Australian Baseball League, Jason has been called up to AA with the Birmingham Barons (White Sox affiliate).