Mets give Mangini a chance to slide
First-year player has strong arm, hard hit

 July 6, 2006


 

  
  One look at Matt Mangini’s elbows and knees and you know he is a slider. Those scuffs and scrapes are a testament to his enjoyment of tackling bases after a good run or a sly steal. Given that he is one heck of a hitter, he gets to slide a lot.


A REAL SLIDER – Hyannis Mets third baseman Matt Mangini savors some downtime on his day off. Mangini, who hails from North Carolina, is a power hitter with a strong throwing arm.
Photo by
KATHLEEN SZMIT MANWARING

Mangini began working on his slide, and his batting, while playing T-ball in West Springfield when he was just 5 years old. After moving to North Carolina in fifth grade, Mangini continued to hone his baseball skills.

Although he dabbled in football at Apex High School, baseball has always been his favorite sport. "It’s a challenge day in and day out," he said. "Football didn’t come as naturally to me. I never felt the same about football that I did about baseball."

Mangini’s passion is reflected in the impressive stats he has garnered through the years, particularly when swinging that bat. Bringing with him a .609 average (in 16 games), Mangini gives opposing pitchers pause. 

In 2005 he was named a Summer All-American by Baseball America after turning out a .344 at bat with 13 doubles, six homers, a whopping 43 RBI’s and eight steals during 52 games played for Thunder Bay of the Northwoods League. 

He is also a formidable player at third base, a position that appeals to him because of its action and energy. 

It was the beginning of the 2005-2006 school year when Mangini learned he would be playing for the Hyannis Mets. "I was so excited," he said. "The host family [Tino and Terri DiGiovanni] are great and I’m meeting players from all across the county. I love it." 

Mangini was attending NC State but is transferring to Oklahoma State. "It’s just something I felt I had to do," he said. "It was a personal decision between me and my family."

Family has been a driving force in Mangini’s success. He is quick to note that he has always had the support of his parents, Debbie and Steve, who reside in Cary, N.C. Mangini talks with his father daily about games and experiences in the Cape League. "Whether he’s here or not, he knows the little keys and points to help me try to be successful," Mangini said of his dad. 

For Mangini, playing for the Cape League is a treat. He is awed by the skill of teammates, as well as players on other teams. "The talent is just unbelievable," he said. If he is able to take his talents farther, Mangini would welcome the opportunity to play for his beloved Red Sox. "I grew up watching the Sox," he said, though he admits his favorite player is Chipper Jones of the Atlanta Braves. "He came into the game young and really held his own. He’s a great third baseman. I’d love to meet him."

Perhaps Mangini might ask for an autograph while sliding into third when the Sox take on the Braves. It could happen. For now, however, Mangini is happy playing for the Mets. "Just to be here in this league is a big accomplishment," he said, preparing for yet another slide.

By Kathleen Szmit Manwaring
kmanwaring@barnstablepatriot.com


 


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