From the hallowed halls of the University of Virginia and being an Arsenal graduate to the bright lights of Major League Baseball, Matt Thaiss’ journey in the professional league is a relentless pursuit of excellence. Joining forces with fellow Arsenal graduate Mike Trout on the Angels’ major league roster, Thaiss is making waves in the major leagues with his stellar performance.
Matt Thaiss drafted in the first round of the 2016 Major League Baseball as a catcher from the University of Virginia. From 2016-2019, Matt Thaiss initially found himself stationed at first base by the Angels. Since, the team designed to shift him to third base, granting him the opportunity to showcase his skills in that position.
Matt Thaiss – C – Virginia – video credit: Youtube
Arsenal Grad Matt Thaiss: Versatility in Positions with the Angels
The catcher-first baseman Matt Thaiss, has showcased his versatility by transitioning to third base, second base, and even left field.
In his first jump off in the major league, Matt Thaiss has yet to play at his original position as a catcher, a role he excelled in during his time at Virginia. He was 21 years old when the Angels swiftly transitioned his position to first base, aiming to excel his progression in the major leagues due to his advanced batting skills. Later on midway through last season, the Angels made another move, deploying him at third base to fill a positional gap and pave the way for his debut in the big leagues.
Then, in 2020, Matt Thaiss made his first professional start at second base, slotting into the second spot in the Angel’s batting order. This marked a recognition shift for Thaiss, showcasing his adaptability under Move Manager Maddon’s experimental moves to explore different positions. While Maddon didn’t expect an oil painting from Thaiss he’s assured that Matt Thaiss was the right candidate to take on these positional challenges.
Maddon placed remarkable trust in Thaiss, valuing not only his athleticism but also his capacity to stay in the moment in thrive under unpredictable circumstances. Ever since Maddon has held constant belief in Matt Thaiss, that in the long haul with each opportunity provided by the Angels, Thaiss will continue to evolve into an outstanding Major League Baseball player.
Arsenal Grad Matt Thaiss Transitioning to Full-Time Catcher with the Angels
Matt Thaiss was originally a catcher before reaching the major leagues with the Angels, then he played different positions including first, second, and third base when he reached MLB. It’s fascinating how players like Matt Thaiss dare to try different things and find their niche in the world of baseball. Shifting positions from one to another can be a challenging journey, but all that adjustment made him a valuable player in the world of baseball and for the Angels. Not until last 2023, the Angels changed course with Thaiss, putting the catcher by trade back behind the plate.
A 28-year-old player is more comfortable now that he’s been back and found his home in the field, and Matt Thaiss being settled at the catcher position has given him an extra sense of peace at the plate. Being in a position where he is not stressed about being in the field is so calming. It’s great to hear that he’s thriving in his role with the Angels.
image source: gettyimages.com
“Honestly, it’s his makeup that makes you comfortable doing this,” Maddon said. “He has great instincts for the game. He’s not afraid to try it. Some guys would be. Not Matty. He’s a baseball player. He’s not affected. He sees things. He makes good decisions on the field. So if you want to give somebody this opportunity, he’s the kind of guy.”
Takeaways
In the world of baseball, a lot of players also have their strengths and weaknesses, and the fact that Matt Thaiss’ journey highlights the importance of recognizing those strengths while working to improve upon weaknesses. Matt Thaiss found his comfort as a catcher, where he originally belonged and his abilities align well with his “first-love” catcher position. This is a reminder that perseverance and adaptability are key traits in the ever-evolving world of baseball.
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