Wilson, NC – The Wilson Tobs will be welcoming three new faces in the infield this summer season. Gary Mattis Jr. (Tennessee Wesleyan University), Alex LeForestier (University of the Pacific), and Blake McCutchen (Arkansas State University) will look to field and rake for the Tobs in 2021.
Our first infielder is Gary Mattis Jr from Broward County, Florida and is looking to make a good first impression for the Tobs this summer. In 2017, Gary started 24 games for Florida Atlantic University with an impressive state line .344 BA/.443 OB/.578 SLG including 6 doubles and 5 home runs in his freshman year. In 2019, Mattis continued his offensive prowess at Gateway CC in Arizona by boasting a 1.001 OPS that included 34 walks, resulting in 64 stolen bases in 69 attempts which led the nation. His team leading 18 doubles and 60 runs scored made him a threat at the plate and on the bases, not to mention his stellar infield defense making him a top junior college prospect. Since Mattis has been at Tennessee Wesleyan University, he has been nothing short of fantastic. On the infield he has been nearly perfect making only 1 error in 124 attempts for a fielding percentage of .995. Offensively he didn’t skip a beat either continuing his high on base percentage and aggressive baserunning, stealing bags and scoring runs at an alarming rate. Most impressively, he has upped his power numbers in the 2021 season, showing a 1.043 slugging percentage crushing 16 home runs in the 26 games played so far while striking out only 12 times. The Tobs are extremely excited to see Gary continue his all-star caliber play this summer in Wilson as the franchise pushes towards the Petitt Cup Championship.
Next on deck for the Tobs is Alex LeForestier. Alex is a 6’1 200 infielder out of Sacramento, California. Alex has been a Pacific Tiger since graduating from Christian Brothers HS. From his freshman year, he has been an impact player both offensively and defensively bouncing around the infield and spraying the ball around the ball park from the left handed batter’s box. Alex has predominantly been the 3rd baseman for the Tigers but has split some time at 1B this season. Since 2018 LeForestier has started every game but 12 and made only 15 errors in 132 attempts sporting a career fielding percentage above .970. His defensive skills and experience will help hold down the Tobs infield defense nightly. Offensively, Alex is as rock solid as they come and plays the game with grit and intensity. He consistently gives a quality at bat and has proven to be a tough out. Over his career at the University of the Pacific, he has walked or been hit by pitch 89 times compared to just 63 strikeouts for an OB% of .429, while holding a batting average of .317. The Wilson Tobs are honored to have such a well-rounded ball player be a part of the starting infield and look to lean on his determination and savvy throughout the season.
Next in-the-hole is Blake McCutchen, an infielder from Cabot, Arkansas. In 2018-2019, Blake started in the middle infield for Dyersburg State CC (Tennessee) and was an immediate game changer in the field, at the plate, and on the bases. While on defense Blake started in every game but 4 turning over 30 double plays and making only 20 errors in 224 attempts. Offensively he was a threat on the bases along with being a consistent piece to the lineup. McCutchen stole 28 bases and was only thrown out 4 times while scoring over 100 runs in two seasons. At the plate he tallied a combined 128 hits for a batting average of .337 and helped his team to 73 wins in those 2 seasons. After redshirting the 2020 season, Blake is back to himself for Arkansas State making plays in the middle infield and producing on the bath paths and in the batter’s box. His .286 batting average is second best on the team and includes a handful of extra base hits and 4 for 5 in stolen bases. McCutchen continues to get on base any way he can via hit by pitch and base on balls when he’s not getting a hit. With his on base percentage a few points shy of .400 he is solidifying his name at the top of the batting order this summer for the Tobs while his sound defensive play and offensive awareness makes him a vital part of the lineup. With a rock solid infield behind a stellar pitching staff, Tobs Head Coach Harry Markotay should have a high level of comfort and confidence when the ball is put in play.
Hey fans! don’t forget to mark your calendars for the Wilson Tobs 2021 season opener and thirsty Thursday on Thursday, May 27. Stick around Memorial Day weekend for the Tobs always exciting Band Jam & Firework Show on Sunday, May 30! The Tobs Red, White, and Blue Firework Show will be Saturday, July 3. Season tickets and ticket packages are on sale now and can be purchased by calling (252)291-8627, or by visiting www.wilsontobs.com.
The Wilson Tobs enter their 25th season as a founding member of the Coastal Plain League. The upcoming season for the Tobs will see community outreach, increased participation in helping the less fortunate, a Pettit Cup Championship team, and more exciting entertainment than ever before. We would like to dedicate each successful season to the Wilson Community, Coastal Plain League Organization, Host Families, Corporate Partners, and the Dedicated Fans.
The Wilson Tobs have played host to over 100 alumni taken in the draft and have produced a dozen players who have gone on to play in the MLB, including Cy Young MVP winner Justin Verlander. For more information on the Wilson Tobs, visit our website www.wilsontobs.com.