“I love baseball.  It is a wonderful teacher about life.  Life is an application of the lessons learned in baseball.”  These are the words of former Flyers standout Pitcher/Outfielder, Matt Rowley, and they provide a brief glimpse into the type of high-character individual that he is.    

Matt played for the Flyers from 2008-2009, and was an integral part of the 2008 District Championship Team, which went onto compete in the American Legion State Tournament.  In 2009, as a Senior, Matt was arguably the Flyers’ most valuable player as a dual threat, going 5-0 on the mound (1.89 ERA) and finishing second on the team in hitting (.443).  He was the epitome of a complete player who could do it all at a very high level – the type of player that you don’t often see.  That being said, Matt was an equally, if not more impressive human being.  Seemingly inconceivable, but without question, the truth; Matt’s accolades, and who he is off the field, are equally impressive to those he has achieved on the field.

Collegiate Career On-the-field

Following a tremendous career for the Flyers, Matt went on to play baseball at Bethel University, where he would thrive under Head Coach, Brian Raabe.  His list of honors at Bethel is extensive, to say the least.  Following successful freshman and sophomore campaigns, Matt broke out as a Junior, earning a Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference batting title, hitting (.427), finishing second in total bases (91), hits (61), slugging percentage (.636) and on-base percentage (.494).  That same year, Rowley led the MIAC in innings pitched (80.0) and starts (12).  To top it off, he fielded at a .989 clip as the Royals starting outfielder, making just one error in 89 chances.  This outstanding statistical season earned him All-MIAC First Team honors, and he was named the Max Molock Most Valuable Player in the MIAC – a highly coveted award.  The honors didn’t stop there – Rowley was later named to the All-MIAC Defensive Team, and was tabbed on the All-MIAC Sportsmanship Team.  Following the season, he was named to the All-Midwest Region First Team by both the ABCA and D3baseball.com, and was later named an ABCA third team All-American.  He was the first-ever Bethel player to receive All-American accolades.

Rowley was also successful in the classroom.  In May of 2013, the lanky lefthander was named to the Capitol One Academic All-District Baseball team, in recognition of his achievements in the classroom as a double major in Marketing and Entrepreneurship.  Matt graduated from Bethel University with distinction. 

Off Field Volunteer

Arguably the most impressive of accolades Rowley received was that of being a semi-finalist for the Coach John Wooden Citizenship Cup, presented by Athletes for a Better World.  The award is named for the late UCLA basketball coach who was one of the greatest coaches and positive role models in the history of the NCAA.  It is given annually to one collegiate and one professional athlete who have demonstrated the highest level of character and leadership off and on the field, and for their contributions to sport and society.  This award is among the highest given in sports, because it is open to all athletes in all sports, and because it is given not for athletic superiority, but for those athletes who achieve the highest standards of character, leadership, and citizenship.  Matt did not win the award, but not surprisingly, he handled it with grace.  “It was an honor to be considered for such a prestigious award, one that Tim Tebow won when he was in college,” said Rowley. “It was humbling as well because I know so many other guys who work just as hard as me - if not harder - and don't get all the awards or even playing time for their efforts ... so as far as I am concerned, they'd deserve the honor just as much as me.  As I always try to be, I am thankful to God for allowing me to be selected as a semi-finalist in the whole process.”

When asked to comment on Matt, Bethel University Head Baseball Coach, Brian Raabe, had this to say, “Matt was a talented player that led by action, by the way he played and through his demeanor on the field.  He was a great teammate and person.  As great of a player as he was, he’s even greater as a person.  He is trustworthy, and a man of Faith.”  Raabe, a former big-leaguer himself went onto say, “If you had to make a poster of one player that represents everything Bethel Baseball is about, the poster would be of Matt Rowley.  He truly was and is an All-American on and off the field, and I am honored that I had the opportunity to be Matt's coach.” 

Bringing it full circle, Matt spoke to us briefly about his experience on the Hopkins Legion team from 2008-2009, and the impact it had on this impending college career.  “Legion ball provided a highly competitive environment, with just the right amount of games in the summer.  It was a great experience which was essential in training me to get ready for college baseball.  Without Legion ball, I would not have been prepared to be successful in the MIAC.” 

Rowley volunteers at about a half-dozen charities, including Feed My Starving Children, Simpson Housing Services and Hospitality House in North Minneapolis.  “I pitch in at the Hospitality House with my parents,” Rowley said, “ It’s a youth after-school program, where kids can go play sports, learn how to read better, and finish their school work.”  He has also volunteered packing Christmas presents for children around the world who would not receive a gift.  “I got to organize a breakfast for businessmen to donate their money or time to the organization, and it raised $30,000 for the Hospitality House.  I also volunteer through Feed My Starving Children, and work delivering furniture to families in need,” said Rowley.

Matt was recently was married to his now wife, Jenna, is employed with Intereum Workplace Solutions, where he focuses on improving the environments that people work, learn and heal in.  He still plays baseball for the Hopkins Berries, a local Class A Amateur team, along with quite a few other former Flyers players.