Minnesota Blizzard Baseball

Age: 19  Height: 5’10”
Weight: 195  Hometown: Eagan, MN
College: University of Minnesota  Class: Sophomore
Position: RHP & OF  Top Fastball: 94
Major: Kinesiology  GPA: 3.4

Freshman Highlights:

On the mound: struck out a career high of five last season at Louisiana Tech on 3/1/14.

At the plate: batted .304 last season in 21 games played.

Matt Fiedler, who played for the Minnesota Blizzard program from 2006-2013, graduated from St. Paul Academy and is doing what not many players since Dave Winfield have done for the Minnesota Gopher baseball program.  What? Playing two ways as a Division I athlete as both an outfielder and right-handed pitcher.

I sat down with Matt to talk about his time with the Blizzard, Minnesota Gophers, his work ethic and the future.

What prompted you to get started with the Blizzard at age 13?

My friend told me about a program that allowed baseball players from Minnesota to train and compete in the winter. The Blizzard was still very new and unknown at this point, but I figured any opportunity to play more baseball was good for me.

How were the Blizzard coaches able to help you develop both as a hitter and pitcher?

All the coaches have a very high knowledge of baseball, but were always able to present it in a way I could understand. The doors to the facility were always open and someone was always around willing to go through drill work or explain some aspect of the game I needed help with. As I grew older, their commitment to me never waivered and they helped me advance every step of the way.

When did you realize it was a legitimate possibility for you to play college baseball and how did the Blizzard staff help you with that?

The first time I was ever told I was good enough to play college baseball was at age 16, during my ‘college consult’ with Barta. We discussed the possibility of me playing at some local D3 colleges, and I was extremely excited. As my skill set progressed, Barta provided all the advice I needed in approaching, contacting and receiving offers from various colleges.

What advice would you give young players who have college baseball aspirations?

First and foremost, I would tell young guys to have the goal of being a hard worker. I define a hard worker as someone who CONSISTENTLY puts in work that isn’t required by your team or coaches. You don’t have to be the best to take those extra 300 swings a week, you don’t have to be the best to take 100 extra ground balls or fly balls after practice, you don’t have to be the best to run sprints or get in the weight room, but if you do those things you will become the BEST YOU. Excuses are the enemy of greatness!

Second, enjoy baseball. You’re playing the greatest game on earth!

As one of the top power arms on the Gopher pitching staff, what do you attribute to your tremendous arm strength?

I definitely attribute it to great coaching and hard work. I’m always trying to improve my mechanics and take care of my arm through band work and weight training.

Has your smaller stature ever caused you to be overlooked, and how did you handle that?

Absolutely. I’m listed at 5’10 but truthfully I’m more around the low end of 5’9. Pitchers, especially at the D1 and pro levels tend to be 6’2+, so I’m definitely a little out of the norm.  For a while it really bugged me, but I’ve turned it into having more of a chip on my shoulder. I’ll look at a 6’6 guy and think well, I’ll never be that tall, but I can make sure that he never works harder than me.

How does it feel to be a 2-way player at Minnesota, not many recruits have the opportunity to do both?

I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to play baseball at the University of Minnesota, period. Being a 2-way is just icing on the cake. I’m grateful for everyday.

What is your greatest memory playing for the Blizzard?

My two favorite on field moments were winning the Las Vegas tournament at 16U and 18U. That tournament is such a grind and to win it twice was incredible.

However, the best memories come from growing up and playing with guys who have become my best friends over the years.  

What are your goals and aspirations?

On field: I want to contribute in any way the team needs me to help bring a Big Ten championship back to the U, be apart of a Gopher team that makes it to the CWS and ultimately get drafted.

Off field: I’d like to open up a gym to train athletes and promote healthy physical development.