Rising Star Malakye Matsumoto Draws Air Force Academy's Attention as Two-Way Talent
Malakye Matsumoto, a 6-5 pitcher and hitter from Sherman Oaks Notre Dame High, has caught the attention of the Air Force Academy. The 17-year-old prospect follows in the footsteps of Paul Skenes, another late-blooming talent who later won the National League Cy Young Award. Scouts see potential in Matsumoto's fastball and batting skills, making him a standout recruit. Matsumoto first appeared on the Air Force Academy's radar during his junior year. Coaches spotted him at a travel ball tournament, where his fastball reached 94 mph. His performance at the plate has also impressed, with a .385 batting average and two home runs this season.
The academy has a track record of finding overlooked Southern California talent. Six years ago, they discovered Paul Skenes, a 6-foot-7 pitcher/catcher from El Toro High, who went on to win baseball's highest pitching honour. Matsumoto, inspired by Skenes' rise, hopes to follow a similar path. Early in high school, Matsumoto played on lower-level teams to build confidence and allow his body to develop. Now, as a senior, he balances athletics with a 4.3 grade-point average. His family has a military background—his mother, of Korean descent, is a school principal, while his father, of Japanese descent, works in security. Colleges are recruiting Matsumoto as a two-way player, and he remains open to pitching at the next level. His versatility and work ethic have made him a sought-after prospect for programmes like Air Force Academy.
Matsumoto's fastball and hitting ability have set him apart as a top recruit. With a strong academic record and a clear path ahead, he aims to develop further in college. The Air Force Academy's history of nurturing late-blooming talent could provide the right platform for his growth.
