From time to time, I like to interview those people who are involved with the Illinois Baseball program. Recently, I interviewed former Illini catcher and current Marketing Coordinator David Craan. I’ve also had the pleasure to chat with photographers, sports information directors (actually twice), and other former players who made good.
I really think you will enjoy this little Q&A. It is one of my favorites.
To call U of I Facilities Attendant Matt Wright a “groundskeeper” is probably a disservice to what he does. He does so much more and his knowledge of Illini sports and its respective facilities is quite extensive. And honestly, he is one of nicest and down-to-earth people associated with Illinois baseball program I’ve had the pleasure to meet.
Not only did Matt answer a few questions over email but he met me over his lunch hour to get a few photos. I got some photos of Matt but he also gave me a special tour of Illinois Baseball clubhouse. Wow! I have never stepped foot in that hallowed ground so that was a treat!
Matt spent about a half hour with me today and we talked Illinois Baseball history, the community and of course his work. More than once, the word “family” came up to describe the environment surrounding Illinois Baseball and its supporting community.
Let’s get to know Matt Wright!
Illinois Baseball Report: Tell us a little about Matt Wright.
Matt Wright: “I grew up in a small town in south west Champaign County and that’s where my wife and I decided to raise our family. I’ve been married for 23 years, to my wife Jodi and I have two kids Zacary who is 21 and Kady who is 18. I’ve been with the DIA for 17 years.”
IBR: Your official title is at the University of Illinois is Athletic Facilities Attendant for the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics. What exactly are your responsibilities on our campus?
Matt: “We are responsible for maintaining the facilities for all sports besides basketball. Which includes Memorial Stadium, the new Smith Center, Huff Hall, Armory, Kenney Gym, Atkins Tennis Center, Demirjian Park, Illinois and Eichelberger Field.”
IBR: How do you and your crew get ready for a home Illinois baseball game?
Matt: “Usually it’s me and one other worker and if the week is busy, I try to get as much done myself so I’m not taking other guys away from other sports going on at the same time. I groom the field which means, I try to get all the rubber pellets moved around. make sure the real grass around the stadium is freshly mowed.
I also clean both dugouts, the press box and restroom. Also making sure the batting cages and the bullpens are game ready.”
IBR: As I understand it, Illinois Field is mostly covered in Field Turf. Can you explain the advantages of Field Turf? How do the players like it?
Matt: “The advantages of field turf is that you rarely get rained out. Which is beneficial so make up games don’t have to be squeezed into the season. Also, you don’t have to handle a tarp on and off the field which would take more workers to remove and place back on.
I think the players like the true hops and balls may get to them faster but there’s no in-betweens. Personally, I think the only thing the players don’t like is they can’t spit sunflower seeds on the field knowing it makes me angry.”
Matt Wright answers Rapid Fire Questions!
| Favorite sports team NOT Illini? | St Louis Cardinals |
| Most unusual task requested of you? | Vomit calls and bathroom messes |
| What would be Matt Wright’s walk-up song? | Thanks to Brett Moore, “Your love” by the Outfield or my recent favorite “hurricane” by Luke Combs |
| Best part of living in the Champaign-Urbana area? | Getting around town quickly traffic isn’t terrible and the people are usually pretty friendly. |
| What baseball stadium would you love to work at for a day? | I’d have to say I’m torn between Wrigley Field don’t tell my daughter and Fenway because they are the oldest parks. But I do love Miller Park and the fact that the roof can be closed. |
IBR: I heard the Illinois Field pitchers’ mound received a makeover recently. What was behind that? Will it affect play on the field?
Matt: “The old mound was starting to show wear and tear. The landing spots were getting really rough and it was time to replace it. I had seen on twitter (follow me at @mtwright65_matt.) that Illinois State had just redone their mound and I liked the way it looked and spoke with Coach Hartleb and Pitching Drew Dickinson about it and they were on board that something needed to be done.
It will hopefully give pitchers better spots and avoid injury because the new clay on the mound is softer in an Illinois climate.”
IBR: Illini Coach Dan Hartleb spent valuable minutes at this year’s Hot Stove Banquet telling a story about you receiving the 2015 championship ring. What’s your side of the story? The fact that Coach talked so much about you says a lot. Is the admiration mutual?
Matt: “Most people may not know that Coach Hartleb and I go way back to when I used to work with his wife at the Airport here in Savoy. The story was pretty close to how he said it at the banquet. He kept me pretty in the dark about the ring that season and he got me pretty good. He even had my wife in on it. I was also shocked at his age that he remembered our agreement.
Coach Hartleb is really easy to work with. Even though he may not believe it I do have so much respect for him and we are pretty good friends.”
I personally want to thank Matt Wright for answering these questions and for taking the time to show me around the clubhouse. Matt’s an all-around awesome guy (even if he is a Cardinals fan!). If you see him at the ballpark, say hello.
Nice interview Matt! I’m glad they are recognizing the people on the ground doing all the leg work. Well deserved!