SANFORD, Fla---
Seminole baseball has a lot of history. It’s just been awhile since they’ve written something new.
“It’s kind of nice to start something to pass on to the juniors, freshman, sophomores,” senior pitcher Matt Allan says. “To say look this is the new tradition.”
Allan is part of the first Seminole team to make a regional playoff game in 18 years. Saturday they will play in their first state title game since 1992.
“It’s a matter of what we spoke of at the beginning of the year that pride that tradition when I was here last,” first year head coach Kenne Brown says. He got his coaching start as an assistant on that state title team all those years ago.
“It was tremendous,” Brown says. “I remember that feeling, the best feeling I ever had in baseball.”
He’s gotten a chance to feel it again thanks to the generational talent he has taking the hill.
“It’s been awesome, I’m a fan with a closer seat. You know you’re witnessing something special.”
See Matt Allan isn’t just any senior. Watch him warm up you can tell it’s different.
“I’ve always been a big warm up guy. I’ve never been a person to show up to the field and start throwing,” Allan says.
Once he’s loose, get your seat. If you can find one.
“He has to stand on the mound and stare down 30,40,50 scouts,” Brown says
Allan is the top high school pitching prospect in the country and a potential top ten pick in this years MLB draft.
“It’s pretty special when you see a kid throw that hard, but more importantly is what accompanies it is that curveball,” Brown says.
Allan throws a fastball that tops out at 97 MPH. He also has a curveball and a changeup. He committed to the University of Florida his sophomore year. He will decide whether to go to college or join a Major League team after discussing things with his family. First he has a state championship to win
“I don’t know that exact path right now whether it’s go straight to professional baseball or go to college,” Allan says. “I don’t know that path right now but my goal has always been since I was a little kid to pitch in the major leagues and stay there and be one of the best pitchers in the major leagues.”