The Air Force Academy continues to demonstrate a knack for discovering hidden baseball talent in Southern California. Their latest find is Malakye Matsumoto, a 6-foot-5 pitcher and hitter from Sherman Oaks Notre Dame High School.

Following in Skenes' Footsteps

This discovery comes six years after the Air Force recruited Paul Skenes, a 6-foot-7 pitcher/catcher who went on to win the National League Cy Young Award last season. The success of Skenes has highlighted the program’s ability to identify and develop late-blooming prospects.

A Gradual Rise to Prominence

Matsumoto’s path to becoming a key player wasn’t immediate. He spent his freshman year on the freshman team and his sophomore year on junior varsity. Last season, he only pitched three innings on the varsity squad.

Emerging as a Two-Way Threat

This season, Matsumoto has emerged as a dominant closer, with a fastball reaching 94 mph. He’s also excelling at the plate, currently batting .385 with two home runs – the firsts of his high school career. “That’s the route. That’s the goal,” Matsumoto stated, acknowledging his awareness of Skenes’ successful trajectory.

Family and Academic Excellence

Matsumoto’s decision to commit to the Air Force was influenced by his family’s military background. His father and grandfather both served in the Air Force, and his uncle was in the Army. He also maintains a strong academic record with a 4.3 grade-point average.

Discipline and Long-Term Development

“My dad told me everything about the Air Force,” Matsumoto explained. “Teaching me discipline, making me a better man and setting me up for life.” He credits his early years on lower-level teams with building his confidence and allowing him to physically mature without immediate pressure.

Coaches Recognize Potential

Coaches observed Matsumoto’s growth, from 5-foot-10 to his current height of 6-foot-5. Strength coach Nick Garcia noted Matsumoto’s consistent dedication in the weight room. Co-coach Nick LaFace praised Matsumoto’s defensive improvements and “big-time arm.”

A Lesson for Young Athletes

Matsumoto offers a perspective for young athletes and their parents, cautioning against pushing for immediate varsity playing time. He believes it can create undue pressure and hinder development. “They don’t understand it puts a lot of pressure on kids,” he said.

Looking Ahead

Despite his height potentially posing challenges in some aircraft, Matsumoto is enthusiastic about the opportunities the Air Force offers. He plans to attend as a two-way player, open to both pitching and hitting at the collegiate level. He believes the experience will “set me up for life.”