WPIAL Alum Q&A – JJ Matijevic

By: HSSN Staff
Monday, March 28, 2016 | 11:28 PM

With the basketball and hockey state finals concluding earlier this month, and the calendar about to change to April, the high school sports season is officially changing from winter to spring. To mark this transition, this week’s installment of the WPIAL Alum Q&A features one of the top baseball players in the region in recent memory. Norwin’s JJ Matijevic achieved history in his time with the Knights, and now he’s emerging as a star for the University of Arizona.

Matijevic was a standout for his entire high school career, as he was a three-time All-Section and All-State honoree. As a sophomore and junior, the shortstop helped guide his team to section records of 12-0 and 8-4, respectively.

As a senior in 2013-14, however, Matijevic produced a season for the record books, as he became the only documented player in WPIAL history to achieve the triple crown (top hitter in batting average, home runs and runs batted in). The Knights’ shortstop batted over .600, belted 10 home runs, including a homer in six straight contests, and compiled 37 RBIs. For this feat, Matijevic was named to the Baseball America High School All-American team. He also helped the Knights again reach the postseason, with a mark of 9-3 in section play.

For his career, Matijevic’s average was just shy of .500, while he smacked 18 home runs and 90 RBIs. Just weeks after his high school career concluded, Matijevic was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 22nd round of the MLB entry draft. He decided to play in the college ranks instead, however, as he joined the University of Arizona Wildcats.

As a freshman, Matijevic not only adjusted to the new level of competition, but also transitioned to a new position, at first base. He played in 49 games for the Wildcats in 2015, including 47 games as a first baseman. While he continued to drive in runs well, with 26 RBIs, Matijevic’s average dipped to .238. He finished the season strong, though, and that momentum has carried into his sophomore campaign.

This year, Matijevic returned to the middle part of the infield, as he shifted to second base. Meanwhile, at the plate his average has risen drastically, to .337, while he’s slugging nearly .450 and he’s driven in 14 runs. Also, the Wildcats collectively have enjoyed a hot start, with a record of 16-7.

JJ took time after his latest series to answer questions about his development at the plate, his thoughts on winning the triple crown, and which major league pitcher he’d most like to face.

Q: As a freshman you seemed to experience some growing pains at times. What was the biggest adjustment from the high school to the college competition?

A:The biggest challenge was probably the speed of the game and having to make in-game adjustments that I never really did in high school. It was a big learning experience, and this year compared to last year, I’ve learned a lot and learned that you have to make those in-game adjustments in order to be successful.

Q: You played short stop primarily in high school, but have been at first base and now second base this season for Arizona. What are the biggest differences between the positions in your opinion, and where do you believe you are best suited to play for the rest of your career?

A: Now I feel like I’m suited best to play second base because I feel comfortable there. It feels more natural to me since I grew up playing shortstop, which means I’ve been in the middle. I play more naturally there. First base, I had never played the corners before. Last year was a huge challenge for me. It was really something different. I didn’t have much success there, but this year I feel much better at second than I did at first.

Q: This season you have gotten off to a scorching start at the plate. What has led to the drastic increase in batting average between last year and this one?

A: Like I mentioned in the first question, those in-game adjustments. From my first AB to my last AB, I’m always making adjustments. I’m always studying the pitchers. I’m sticking with the same approach, middle-up, and it’s been working for me.

Q: When deciding on a college, what was the biggest factor that drew you to Arizona?

A: The coaches and the history. Coach Lopez isn’t here anymore, but we have an amazing coach in Jay Johnson. He’s helped me a lot and he’s made me much better than I was. He’s done an incredible job with not only me, but the whole program.

Q: What has been the biggest cultural adjustment from western Pennsylvania to Tucson?

A: The weather. No doubt about that one.

Q: You were drafted by the Boston Red Sox, but elected to honor your college commitment instead. What was the thought process behind that decision?

A: I wanted to experience something different and as a baseball player, I knew I had a long way to go. I think I’ve developed here more than I would have in the minor leagues.

Q: You captured the triple crown as a senior at Norwin. Were you aware of your statistical rankings throughout the season, and what was your reaction when you discovered the feat?

A: I wasn’t aware of it until it was mentioned. It was a huge honor and something I didn’t really work for, but I worked hard and the results came.

Q: What was your top memory from high school?

A: My top memory, oh man, would probably have to be my freshman year when we beat our rivals. We were down like 10 runs in the last inning and came back to win.

Q: Many other players from the WPIAL have excelled in college ranks recently. Who was the best opponent you faced in high school play?

A: Brendan McKay. He’s tearing it up now at Louisville. He was a freshman All-American. In high school, I played with him at an event. He’s doing really well right now and it shows.

Q: In a dream scenario, which Major League pitcher, past or present, would you choose to face for one at-bat?

A: I think it would be sweet to face Clayton Kershaw. I hate lefties, but it would be a neat experience to face the best pitcher in baseball. He’d carve me up, but it would definitely be an experience.

Q: Aside from baseball, what is your favorite sport to watch or play?

A: Definitely basketball. I played it up until my senior year. I loved playing with everyone. It was a lot of fun.

Q: What has been your most enjoyable class at Arizona thus far?

A: I came in the summer and we had a university orientation class with all athletes, and it was fun getting to meet other players and learn about the school.

Q: How do you juggle a very busy baseball schedule with class work during the spring semester?

A: You just have to be really good at time management and just always check in on your assignments. You have to go to study hall and stay on top of your stuff. You have to do what you can do the best way you can.

Q: What is your favorite movie or TV show?

A: TV show – I would have to go Sons of Anarchy. Favorite movie – I would go with Remember the Titans.

Q: What is your favorite piece of baseball equipment you have ever owned?

A: I would have to go with my first wood bat I ever purchased. It was a Chandler. I still have it. I kept it on my wall. I was probably 14.