Crookston High School senior Matthew Contreras signed a National Letter of Intent to play baseball at Concordia College in Moorhead next year. Contreras was surrounded by his family and Pirate baseball coach Ben Parkin on Friday morning at the signing.
Contreras said the decision just felt right for both baseball and school. “I was playing there, and the coaches came up to me, and they were very nice and welcoming,” said Contreras. “I went on a visit there, and the campus was nice, and the coaches said I would be a good fit for their team.”
As far as school goes, Matt said he is going into biology. “That is one of their strong suits at Concordia, and I could go into teaching or even the medical field,” said Contreras.
Contreras said he is looking forward to new experiences next year. “Just playing baseball year-round in the gym, and in the spring, they head down to Florida when it is cold, and that will be awesome,” said Contreras.
Matt’s high school coach, Ben Parkin, said Concordia is getting a great player and kid. “I am super happy for him. He is a great kid to coach, and he is a good five-tool baseball player, and Concordia is getting a good one in Matt,” said Parkin. “He plays 100 percent in games and practices. He puts in extra work outside of practice, too, which makes a big difference for some kids. He is passionate about the game. He wants to get better and learn more while honing his skills and craft as much as he can.”
Parking added a big compliment to Contreras. “If a baseball coach had five Matt Contreras’ on the team, they would be in good shape. He has five tools. He can pitch, hit for power, hit for average, plays good defense, has a good arm,” said Parkin. “His character is really good too. He is a great kid, hard-working. Just a great kid all-around.”
Matt with his family at the signing.
Matt with his family and Coach Ben Parkin at the signing
