Toronto, ON - Batting second for the Toronto Mets Alumni series is JEFFCO outfielder Matt Turino. Turino is a sophomore at Jefferson College in Missouri looking to build on a very impressive Freshmen season. In 67 games, Turino batted .354 with 7 Homeruns, and driving in 70 runs. He added 18 stolen bases and scored 80 runs. Turino was also named a Gold Glove winner for his outstanding work in the outfield leading the Nation with a 1.000 fielding percentage in 98 total chances.

Despite having a very successful first year at JEFFCO, Turino admits there were some challenges that he had to overcome his first year being away from home. “Discipline and consistency were a challenge for me. In order to be a successful baseball player at the next level it is necessary to be focused on your goal and establish a routine to continue to find success. It is important to not let distractions get in the way of your initial goal.” Turino goes on to add that dealing with the mental side of the game was something new for him entering his first year as a college baseball player. “Dealing with the mental aspect of the game was tough, reminding myself not to get too high when things are going well and not to get too low when things are going bad.” 

After a freshman season like the one Turino enjoyed, there may not have been too many “lows’ to deal with, but Matt has surrounded himself with good people to get through the more difficult days. “Being around your teammates on the baseball field and in the classroom is the best part of being a student athlete. You are constantly around your buddies all day and are able to push each other both in the physical aspects as well as the academics.”

So Why JUCO? It seems as if Matt Turino could have gone to a four-year school out of high school and follow in his older brother Luke Turino’s path that led him to the University of Cincinnati. “For me I wanted to go JUCO because it was the best fit for me. You get the opportunity to get noticed by other schools and get good exposure. Also schooling at the Junior College level is a bit easier so you have the opportunity to bring your GPA up.” Turino definitely made the right decision as he has recently committed to the University of Tennessee to play NCAA DI baseball in the SEC. 

During High school, Matt Turino used his family as his support system. “My family played a big role as my support system. They supported all the decisions I made, and just wanted the best for me.” Turino went on to say that “listening to their input was very helpful.” 

Even though Matt is on his own and over 12 hours away from his family, he still finds himself with a tremendous amount of support. “For me, being away from family and friends was hard at first, but you get used to it. Face Timing friends and family is important to stay in contact with them. While I am at school I rely on my teammates. We always pick each other up no matter what. They are like a second family for me.” 

While it is great to have a tremendous support system for every student athlete, it is important to remember that to be successful it requires hard work for each individual. Turino passes this message on to the current Toronto Mets players. “Out work anyone around you. If you want to be the best, you have to train like it. Once you get to the next level, competition will be better, and players will be better. To find success, you need to continue to work hard.” 

Working hard has never been an issue for Turino. “Matt has been one of the hardest working Mets since the program started. Not only does he have all the skills to succeed next season at Tennessee, but is one of the highest character kids that I’ve ever met. Humble and appreciative of the opportunities that baseball has provided to him so far. He will have a chance to play at the next level,” says Honsing Leung, long time coach of the Toronto Mets.

Turino recognizes that it is not just about the baseball while he is away. He has found a way to balance life as a Student-Athlete that works for him. Turino says, “establishing a routine really helped me. Planning when I’m going to fit my homework and other responsibilities around the time we have baseball. Sticking to that routine has become second nature.”

College baseball can be demanding. It is demanding of your time, it is demanding of your mind, and it is demanding of your body. It is very easy to get caught up in the pressure that can be put on you. Matt Turino says it best, “just enjoy the process. Playing college baseball is a lot of fun and players sometimes put a lot of pressure on themselves with everything. It is the same game that you played when you are a little kid, so just enjoy it.”

Baseball is fun, especially the way the Turino’s play it.

PreGame Athletics