On June 8th and 9th, two world-renowned franchises will cross the Atlantic. As part of its efforts to expand baseball culture, MLB is setting its sights on « The Big Fog ».
The « London Series » will host the crème de la crème of professional baseball from across the Atlantic. Just a stone’s throw from Buckingham Palace, the New York Mets will face the Philadelphia Phillies in two games.
« God save the Gloves »!
Meanwhile, also in London, the « European Development Tournament », organized by MLB, will bring together the best young prospects of « Made in Europe » baseball. Around fifteen of them, representing several nations, will join other promising players from all over the globe.
Mattéo Pierre will be part of the action, alongside Esteban Briones, son of a French baseball legend, Patrice Briones.
Above, Mattéo at bat.
Baseball isn’t immune to a well-known phenomenon in sports: the « father and son » story. A story of transmission, of the passion for effort and self-achievement. The development of personnel through duty accomplished, for the team. This is how Mattéo’s father, François, a sports professor, prepares the Boucaniers in winter for « athletic training », just as Patrice oversees them technically with Ossandon at the Boucaniers club.
Mattéo and Esteban, both from the Bordeaux Espoirs Pole, will thus represent their current club in England.
The standout fact is that they’re already making a significant impact, much like the two consecutive home runs with 3 RBIs each, hit by Esteban Briones against Metz at the start of the 2024 D1 season.
Brilliant and versatile artisans of maritime baseball, these two prodigies, sons of exemplary athletes, are already making their mark on the hexagonal baseball scene.
Let’s now focus on one of them: Mattéo Pierre.
Mattéo immediately presents a promising physique for a U16 rugby second row:
1 meter 85 for 83 kilos. But don’t be fooled. This young athlete reserves his qualities as a catcher, guardian of the Rochelaise « home plate ».
After two years at the Bordeaux Pole, Mattéo joined Toulouse. He’s been on the field for eight years now, starting his journey in the 12U championship. Today, as a starter at the catcher position in La Rochelle, the worthy French successor to Théo Lakmeche shows a stunning progression.
Mattéo has already been selected for three international teams. First, with the 12U team at the European Championship:
MP: « This tournament was like an initiation to the high level for me, both in terms of organization and demand. I was able to face nations already dominant where baseball is very competitive, even in 12U. This was followed by a selection in the France 15U team with which I finished the competition as vice-champion of Europe. Despite the fact that I played very little, it was an experience rich in emotions ».
And it’s far from over. He rejoins the 15U group for the World Championship in Mexico in Hermosillo in 2022. This time, he’s a starter.
Above, the France team and the national selection of the « Land of the Rising Sun » 12U. The Anthems. Mattéo, fifth from the left.
MP: « We played in really incredible stadiums and against top-tier teams like Japan, Panama, Colombia, or the Czech Republic.
Today, the young catcher offers a mature game and power. With a batting average of .391 (4 doubles and an OBP of .417), the young prospect also manages to command respect from opposing runners with a few pickoffs already. 3 CS (Tisca from the Huskies, Algeni, and Cailteux from the Cometz).
Above, MP picks off a Japanese player. Hermosillo 2022.
BTVF: You’ve improved a lot on your base throws. How do you work on this aspect of the game as a catcher?
MP: « I still have a lot of work to do. I focus on qualitative repetitions rather than quantitative ones. I like to work in dissociation, step by step, to be more precise in my movements and really feel the game. »
BTVF: And at the plate?
MP: « Regarding hitting, I always try to repeat the same movements before swinging to be as comfortable as possible in the box and feel at ease no matter the pitches thrown. I like reassuring routines that generate more ease. This way, I often manage to save energy and focus on the trajectory of the balls to try to stay « clutch ».
BTVF: Your team is currently leading the championship with 5 wins and only one loss. How did you experience the first matchday against the formidable Huskies?
MP: « It was really a good day for me personally and collectively. I’m happy we could win these two games against Rouen, a team that writes a large part of contemporary French baseball history. This gave us collective confidence. Against the Cougars, it was also a perilous first away game. Things went well. We’ll see in the return match. »
BTVF: How do you generally approach a game?
Mattéo: « I focus on things I can control, like my swing, framing, blocking, avoiding overthinking things I can’t, like the umpire’s zone or external events.
BTVF: How do you see the season evolving this year for your team?
MP: « I think we have the means to do great things this season. We mustn’t let up but rather increase our level of play. The collective energy is quite good. Pablo and Patrice are guys who know how to talk to us. We need to stay grounded and not get too carried away after this great start. »
BTVF: What has changed in your approach to a game, your at-bats in general since this season?
MP: « This is an aspect I’ve changed a lot this year but still need to work on. I try not to overthink and express myself to the best of my abilities on the field. In general, I manage to stay « focused ». Without being too emotionally vulnerable. Maybe that’s one of my qualities.
BTVF: What part of the game do you prefer? A prediction for the season?
MP: « I’ve always preferred and still prefer hitting. That’s where I enjoy myself the most, like many players. I think it’s too early to make a prediction, but I can see La Rochelle in the playoffs this year. The Cometz, as underdogs, surprised us with Priest back on the mound. »
BTVF: Favorite players in D1? In the Major League?
MP: « I really like Will Smith, the catcher for the Dodgers, who I find very complete. I like his playing style. In concrete terms, I try to draw inspiration from all the good catchers I’ve encountered, both internationally and in club play.
Above, Will Smith at bat.
BTVF: As a JFL, what’s your take on the French championship?
MP: « It’s a championship with very good pitchers whose level tends to homogenize. It’s interesting to face pitchers who have signed pro contracts and are intelligent. We also find very good hitters who are tough to face.
BTVF: What are your short and long-term goals in baseball?
MP: « In the short term, it’s the France 18U team this summer, aiming for the gold medal at the Euro baseball in Germany! In the long term, I’d say joining the France U23 and Senior teams and going to « college » after the BAC, following in the footsteps of players like Brossier, Meurant, Lacombe, and others. I think that would be an ideal evolution for me.
BTVF: Thanks, Mattéo, we wish you the best for the future!
Interview conducted by Vincent Picard.
