By Rich Adragna

Very few people would expect a first-time player to rise up and make a big impact for his team, especially when the circumstances do not favor them. Matt Prokopowicz can attest to this.

Prokopowicz, a freshman from Massapequa, N.Y., is making a splash for the baseball team in his first year on campus. He is the Pride’s starting third baseman, and his numbers this season strongly indicates why he is deserving. Heading into today’s home game against Seton Hall, Matt led the team in batting average with .429. He also has 33 hits, 21 RBIs, 5 doubles, and a home run. Becoming a new starter in any sport, especially as a freshman, would be intimidating to some people. For Prokopowicz, however, his transition from the high school level to Division I baseball came naturally.

“It’s awesome,” he said. “It is a big step forward for me and I don’t have any worries. I was nervous at first when we went up against Auburn, but since then everything’s been great.”

The smile on his face indicates that Matt is really enjoying this and that it is all natural to him. It is because he was born to swing for the fences and turn a double play. In other words, baseball was in his blood.

Prokopowicz first fell for baseball when he was very little, starting with the local T-Ball league. His passion grew when he took part in summer ball with the Long Island Titans. As a 10th grader, his team was second-ranked in the country, and went on to play for the championship in Texas. His high school years on the diamond were prosperous, helping Massapequa High to Nassau County, Long Island, and state championship victories in his senior year. He was also a two-time all-state and all-county selection.

Like many of his peers, Prokopowicz didn’t expect too much to make the huge impact he is currently bringing this season. However, he did expect to be part of something big for the Pride.

“I basically expected to help the team and make the most of my time here,” he said. “To do that is really a dream come true.”

Matt definitely loves to make a contribution to his team, even with what the Pride have been going through. The Pride started off on the wrong foot, going 0-6 against powerhouses Auburn and Florida State. They later rebounded with a five-game winning streak, but have since been on-again, off-again. Hofstra was 9-12 heading into its afternoon game against Seton Hall. Despite the inconsistency of his team, Matt can say with a smile that tomorrow is another day indeed.

“Sometimes you got to work through it,” he said. “That’s the greatest thing about baseball. When you have a bad day, you look for ways to make the next game more successful. You find a way to rebound. I think we’ve been doing a good job this year.”

Along with the ability to showcase his skills on a whole new stage, Matt especially enjoys the camaraderie with his teammates that go along with it.

“I get along well with my teammates,” said Matt. “When I came in, they treated me like I was on the team already. It’s awesome seeing the seniors hanging out with the freshmen. It’s great team bonding.”

The numbers Prokopowicz has put up this year are amazing for a kid in his first year in college. And with that, expectations will rise as his college years progress. Matt, however, would rather set his own expectations and goals instead of letting some expert do it for him.

“You got to do it one pitch, one at-bat, one inning at a time. Sometimes you can’t live up to the expectations that other people want you to do. You have to set the standard yourself,” he said. “That’s why you play the game. You got to give it all you got on the field.”

As his first season with the Pride progresses, Prokopowicz, or “Prokop” as he is known, is aware that there is more he can do to make this season a success.

“I definitely have to work hard and keep getting better. I definitely have to work on my weaknesses so that we can hopefully get in the Conference Tournament,” said Matt.

Even if that tourney never comes the Pride’s way this year, there is no denying that the talent Matt Prokopowicz brings to the table will certainly deliver in the long run for Hofstra.