Matthew Bishop SS/RHP

10/25/2024 - All-Ripken Games - Broussard, LA Matthew’s performance at the All-Ripken games in Broussard, LA for Team United displayed a solid all-around skill set, with notable strengths in both his offensive and defensive play, as well as his pitching. Offensively, Matthew has a square setup to the pitcher, which is a great foundation for finding the barrel of the bat and making solid contact. However, there are moments where he can pull off the ball during his swing, which causes the bat to leave the hitting zone too early. This is something that can be addressed by focusing on a more consistent, middle-of-the-field approach. By staying on the ball longer and driving it to all areas of the field, Matthew will improve his bat path and overall swing efficiency, leading to more consistent contact and a more balanced approach at the plate. Defensively, Matthew displayed strong fundamentals, particularly with his ability to get around the baseball and put himself into a proper fielding position. His ability to flip his hips when needed shows that he can access plus range and get to more baseballs, which is a crucial trait for infielders. His quick reactions and ability to work through the baseball make him an asset defensively, and continuing to refine these movements will allow him to further elevate his fielding skills. On the mound, Matthew showed efficiency and poise. He worked ahead of hitters, which is always a key to success as it allows for more control and fewer stressful at-bats. By keeping his defense engaged and managing the game well, he demonstrated the ability to control the tempo and work effectively within his surroundings. Matthew has a lot of potential across the board, and with some minor adjustments—particularly to his offensive approach—he has the chance to become even more well-rounded. Continuing to build on his defensive and pitching strengths while refining his bat path will make him a player to watch moving forward.