1st Round Pick - Matt Hobgood - RHP - HS

[Matt's Uncle]

It's odd being a family member and reading all these posts. A bit surreal as all these fans talk about someone I've known for the past 18 years. For what it's worth, here's my take.

Someone posted that they saw the video of all of us going nuts when we heard Matt got picked up the Orioles and that we must be a whole new group of fans. That's so true. I'm already looking for Orioles gear to wear ASAP.:thumbsup1:

We are extremely excited that Matt will get the opportunity of a lifetime and we hope that both Matt and the O's will be happy with their decision. As Matt has already said, he loves playing baseball. He studies it like someone who's studying for an important final exam. The O's didn't get some prima donna who has "issues". They got a down-to-earth kid who cares about game and cares about the fans. He's always willing to take time to take a picture with a fan or sign an autograph for a kid. He's about as humble as they come.

At the presentation for the National Gatorade award, after everyone got a chance to say something about Matt, he said how grateful he was to each and every person who showed up (about 30 in all and it was long, emotional night that all there will remember).

His weight...

I remember telling Matt last year that, from my complete lack of knowledge of professional sports, it was my opinion that it seemed like he had all the skills to make it to the big leagues but that he just needed to look the part. The picture of him someone posted here shows him from last year. The one that shows him holding the Gatorade trophy shows him now. I'm telling you he looks SO much different. The kid is really strong and looks amazing.

And hey, that's my sister (Matt's mom) you're talking about. Be kind! She's been raising 5 kids practically on her own for many years now. Matt's dad suffered for about 6 years with his cancer before he died and my sister really kept it all together through some incredibly tough times.

It was a reach picking him 5th...

We knew it would come across that way. All I can say is that Matt felt that the O's organization fit his personality well and from what I gather, Jordan and the GM of the club felt the same way. I'll be right up front and say that I don't know much about baseball especially at the professional level but from all I've heard, the scouts loved him. There were always about 10 to 15 at every game with their radar guns taking notes. His fastball starts around 92 for the early innings and then gets faster - around 95. When things start getting tough, Matt actually gets better. He's fun to watch and I'm not just saying that because we're related. He's exciting to watch and he's a winner and if that puts peoples' butts in seats, then I think he's going to be a perfect match for the Orioles.

And Matt WANTS to play for the O’s. Did you see some of the interviews with others who got drafted in the top 10? One guy said that his college choice was going to let him play 1st base as if he was wavering in order to get more cash. Another said that he didn’t care where he played but that he just wanted a chance to play in the majors. Matt told the GM that was very excited to be an Oriole, that he would work hard, and that he wouldn’t let him down. You just picked some kid in the first round to be on your team and they don’t act excited about being on your team?! Matt is completely jazzed to playing for the O’s! My sister said to tell you all that they’ll be in Baltimore in two weeks to sign so Matt can get playing ASAP.

From everything I read here on this message board, it sounds like the O's have a great minor league system and I'm sure they're going to fine tune his game to make him the best player possible. Time will tell if Matt will rise up to be worthy of the 5th pick of the draft but he's risen to the challenge every time before so...

Give the kid a chance!

I'm proud to say I'm Matt's uncle.

BTW, did I mention he co-lead the nation in homeruns?:2yay-thumb:

http://www.maxpreps.com/national/baseball/national_sport.aspx?gendersport=boys,baseball&urpath=,national

and click on Leaderboard

[Arthur_Bryant]

It's odd being a family member and reading all these posts. A bit surreal as all these fans talk about someone I've known for the past 18 years.

You'll hear this often in the next couple of days, but welcome to OH!

I know at least two very close family members of other players are reading and posting here with some regularity (probably more who aren't publicly identified) so you're not alone in the surreal experience.

What a shame that his dad couldn't have seen his big night (said as a dad).

Matt sounds like a great young man, which I believe figured into the Orioles' choice. Everyone here wishes Matt all the very best.

[Austin]

It's odd being a family member and reading all these posts. A bit surreal as all these fans talk about someone I've known for the past 18 years. For what it's worth' date=' here's my take.[/quote']

Welcome to the Hangout, and I have to say, your nephew sounds like he's got a good head on his shoulders. The more I read about this kid, the more I like the pick. Tell Matt to join up and get in on the discussion

Seriously, though, enjoy the boards; this is one of the more knowledgeable baseball communities on the internet.

[Crazysilver03]

And Matt WANTS to play for the O’s. Did you see some of the interviews with others who got drafted in the top 10? One guy said that his college choice was going to let him play 1st base as if he was wavering in order to get more cash. Another said that he didn’t care where he played but that he just wanted a chance to play in the majors. Matt told the GM that was very excited to be an Oriole' date=' that he would work hard, and that he wouldn’t let him down. You just picked some kid in the first round to be on your team and they don’t act excited about being on your team?! Matt is completely jazzed to playing for the O’s! [b']My sister said to tell you all that they’ll be in Baltimore in two weeks to sign so Matt can get playing ASAP.

[/b]

BTW, did I mention he co-lead the nation in homeruns?:2yay-thumb:

http://www.maxpreps.com/national/baseball/national_sport.aspx?gendersport=boys,baseball&urpath=,national

and click on Leaderboard

This is just awesome. I am excited to know that Hobgood is ready to start playing ASAP. He has become one of my favorite players already.

[thundercleetz]

Welcome to the board Matt's Uncle! Great first post! Tell Matt we are all behind him 100%! Hope to hear your input on Matt in the future as he progresses through the minors.

[glenn__davis]

Thanks for posting, Matt's Uncle. He sure does seem like a high-character guy. I know a lot of folks on this board tend to ignore character, saying that talent is more important, and they're probably right, but it sure is nice to have guys with both.

I am interested to know - if Matt's Uncle's info is legit, and he intends on signing relatively quickly - where does he go? How many innings did he pitch this year, and how many do you think the O's would let him go over the summer?

[glenn__davis]

Thanks for posting, Matt's Uncle. He sure does seem like a high-character guy. I know a lot of folks on this board tend to ignore character, saying that talent is more important, and they're probably right, but it sure is nice to have guys with both.

I am interested to know - if Matt's Uncle's info is legit, and he intends on signing relatively quickly - where does he go? How many innings did he pitch this year, and how many do you think the O's would let him go over the summer?

Yes, I'm quoting my own post because I found the answer.

Looks like he pitched 68.1 innings. I'm guessing the Orioles would probably allow him to get 20-30 more, if he signs quickly? Maybe send him to Bluefield for 5-6 starts?

[Big Mac]

This is just awesome. I am excited to know that Hobgood is ready to start playing ASAP. He has become one of my favorite players already.

Reading all of this stuff about Hobgood, it's impossible to not like this guy.

I really hope he pitches for Bluefield, I'll be in that area the first week in July and I really want to see him pitch.

Congrats to Matt and his family, I'm starting to like this pick more and more!

[Florida_Osfan]

It's odd being a family member and reading all these posts. A bit surreal as all these fans talk about someone I've known for the past 18 years. For what it's worth' date=' here's my take.

Someone posted that they saw the video of all of us going nuts when we heard Matt got picked up the Orioles and that we must be a whole new group of fans. That's so true. I'm already looking for Orioles gear to wear ASAP.:thumbsup1:

We are extremely excited that Matt will get the opportunity of a lifetime and we hope that both Matt and the O's will be happy with their decision. As Matt has already said, he loves playing baseball. He studies it like someone who's studying for an important final exam. The O's didn't get some prima donna who has "issues". They got a down-to-earth kid who cares about game and cares about the fans. He's always willing to take time to take a picture with a fan or sign an autograph for a kid. He's about as humble as they come.

At the presentation for the National Gatorade award, after everyone got a chance to say something about Matt, he said how grateful he was to each and every person who showed up (about 30 in all and it was long, emotional night that all there will remember).

His weight...

I remember telling Matt last year that, from my complete lack of knowledge of professional sports, it was my opinion that it seemed like he had all the skills to make it to the big leagues but that he just needed to look the part. The picture of him someone posted here shows him from last year. The one that shows him holding the Gatorade trophy shows him now. I'm telling you he looks SO much different. The kid is really strong and looks amazing.

And hey, that's my sister (Matt's mom) you're talking about. Be kind! She's been raising 5 kids practically on her own for many years now. Matt's dad suffered for about 6 years with his cancer before he died and my sister really kept it all together through some incredibly tough times.

It was a reach picking him 5th...

We knew it would come across that way. All I can say is that Matt felt that the O's organization fit his personality well and from what I gather, Jordan and the GM of the club felt the same way. I'll be right up front and say that I don't know much about baseball especially at the professional level but from all I've heard, the scouts loved him. There were always about 10 to 15 at every game with their radar guns taking notes. His fastball starts around 92 for the early innings and then gets faster - around 95. When things start getting tough, Matt actually gets better. He's fun to watch and I'm not just saying that because we're related. He's exciting to watch and he's a winner and if that puts peoples' butts in seats, then I think he's going to be a perfect match for the Orioles.

And Matt WANTS to play for the O’s. Did you see some of the interviews with others who got drafted in the top 10? One guy said that his college choice was going to let him play 1st base as if he was wavering in order to get more cash. Another said that he didn’t care where he played but that he just wanted a chance to play in the majors. Matt told the GM that was very excited to be an Oriole, that he would work hard, and that he wouldn’t let him down. You just picked some kid in the first round to be on your team and they don’t act excited about being on your team?! Matt is completely jazzed to playing for the O’s! My sister said to tell you all that they’ll be in Baltimore in two weeks to sign so Matt can get playing ASAP.

From everything I read here on this message board, it sounds like the O's have a great minor league system and I'm sure they're going to fine tune his game to make him the best player possible. Time will tell if Matt will rise up to be worthy of the 5th pick of the draft but he's risen to the challenge every time before so...

Give the kid a chance!

I'm proud to say I'm Matt's uncle.

BTW, did I mention he co-lead the nation in homeruns?:2yay-thumb:

[url']http://www.maxpreps.com/national/baseball/national_sport.aspx?gendersport=boys,baseball&urpath=,national[/url]

and click on Leaderboard

I'm pretty psyched about gaining Matt as an O's pitcher. Every film, picture, and interview I've seen/heard of him further demonstrates not only his desire to be with this team but also his desire to play baseball. And, I think it's lost on many when it comes to recognizing the truly small differences between 1st round talent. Glad we drafted a fan versus some of the other prep arms who doesn't care who signs his paycheck.

Welcome to the O's, Matt!

[Matt's Uncle]

I am interested to know - if Matt's Uncle's info is legit, and he intends on signing relatively quickly - where does he go? How many innings did he pitch this year, and how many do you think the O's would let him go over the summer?

Thanks to all for welcoming me and more importantly, Matt, to the Orioles' family. I haven't heard yet where they plan to send him. It sounds like they've still got to go through all the paperwork and such and then I assume they'll let Matt know where he's going. The info I gave you is straight from my sister's mouth. Hey...I even asked if I could go back too and she said yes only I'll be on my own family's vacation when they do the signing.

In talking to my sister, she's reading this message board and said she'll likely join in the conversation sometime soon so you'll get the info directly from the source.

I'm sure at some point I'll be the one asking the questions of the group so I can get some understanding about how the whole process works.

Matt's story just keeps unfolding and we're just along for the ride watching with anticipation and excitement!

[Skywalker76]

Not just because of Matts uncle posting here I just like this pick more and more.

[SJA]

Matt's Uncle and Matt's Mom (c'mon, I know you're reading:p)...Welcome to the board. And let me just say that I am very excited about Matt joining the O's family. He seems like a great guy who is also talented and I really enjoyed the video of his draft day get together.

[sbauer]

Just as Matt's uncle relayed to us, Matt will sign in two weeks. http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/baseball/bal-osnotes612,0,7568931.story

[QBsILLEST1]

Nice, I cant wait to follow him through the minors. Too bad we arent in the national league, he could be our Carlos Zambrano! Seriously though, I like this pick.....Jordan did a good job and I am content with who we took knowing who else was still on the board....

[Satyr3206]

I am very impressed he's going to come to Baltimore, take his physical, and start his Pro career. That is so old school I love it. No protracted negotiations or Agent posturing. It's a breath of fresh air. Good Luck and here's hoping I get to meet you when you play for Frederick (hope you don't skip that level). I live in N. Myrtle Beach and can't wait to see you shut out the Pelicans.