Tampa ballplayer has perfect end to his high school career

TAMPA, Fla. — The pitching mound is Mathew Altman’s happy place.

This past season, the Gaither High School senior was unbeatable on the mound, earning an honorable mention for the prestigious Wade Boggs Award given to Hillsborough County’s top Student-Athlete.

Mathew finished the year with a perfect 13-0 record, number one in both the state of Florida and the nation.

“It took a lot of deep breaths before the game, praying, it’s just unbelievable pressure,” Altman said. 

Junior Catcher Jose Gutierrez caught every game the senior threw, and their bond was instrumental in his success.

“As a catcher you can tell what the pitchers feeling and how he’s throwing the ball,” Gutierrez said. “After all the times, I’ve caught him I know when he’s on and when sometimes he’s struggling to find the zone, especially with one pitch.”

Armed with a 90-plus fastball and a five-pitch arsenal, Altman’s next stop is FAMU, where he is already enrolled and getting ready for the start of his college career.