Former Tulsa Celtic Matt Reynolds Seeks to Lead HOGS into NCAA College World Series

Matt Reynolds {Bishop Kelley HS}loved basketball and would have chosen to play college hoops had he not been such a hot commodity on the diamond.

I was fortunate to have the pleasure of coaching Matt when he was a tough little third grader. Displaying superb ball handling with both hands, it didn't take long to put him at point guard;  during junior high and high school he played many tournaments with the Celtics and was a great contributor to many of our championships.  

I have no doubt Matt would have been an excellent college basketball player had he chose that route.  I remember clearly when he battled head to head against Keiton Page during a Playing With Purpose practice, and Matt held his own just fine.

The Arkansas Razorbacks baseball program landed the basketball -baseball standout three years ago.  Reynolds was named ALL - SEC at third base and ALL SEC Defensive team also.

Matt will definitely be drafted in the upcoming Major League Baseball draft as he is rated as the #83 best draft prospect for the 2012 Major League Draft. (#36 in the Junior class!)

But right now he is trying to help his Hog team to Omaha for the College World Series.  Arkansas was sent to the RICE regional and upset the Owls in the early round.  Arkansas will play at 6 pm today to earn a trip to Omaha.

Reynolds was "managed" by his father Gary and it appears that all the hard work over the years has definitely paid off.  Strong, tough as nails during competition, Matt is also a fine young man.

I would love to see Matt make it to the big stage in Omaha.  A "hot" bat tonight could equate to an extra $100,000.00 or so in his signing negotiations.  So how about a couple of cranks over the fence tonight Matthew?

Here are some highlights from the first Regional game a few days ago;  you can see Matt, number 5,  make  4 defensive plays and also see him get hits in his first three at bats.  Oh yeah, he also stretched a single into a double and stole a base.

Congratulations on your fantastic college career Matt!  I know Joyce and your dad are so proud of you.