University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
Marlins Call up Kevin Mattison to the Big Leagues
05.10.2012 | Baseball
Mattison played for the Bulldogs from 2005-08 and was drafted by the then Florida Marlins in the 28th round of the 2008 MLB June Amateur Draft. He has steadily made his way up the ladder and was in Miami's big league camp in spring training before being sent to New Orleans, the Marlins Triple A franchise in late March. He and pitcher Mike Dunn were called up from the Zephyrs, replacing pitchers Sandy Rosario and Chris Hatcher.
Mattison got off to a slow start at New Orleans but has caught fire recently and raised his average to .250 with three home runs and 13 RBI. He was the Zephyrs starting center-fielder from the start of the season.
"I got the call around 12:30 this morning that the Marlins wanted me to go up, and I really can't describe the feeling," stated Mattison. "I wasn't expecting the call-up. This is a total surprise, but I'm really excited to be here."
Today has been a crazy day for the former Big South Conference standout.
"I had a flight out of New Orleans at 6 a.m. and was in the Washinton D.C. airport for awhile and now I'm in Miami," commented Mattison. "I haven't eaten a thing all day but I'm just so excited right now."
Mattison isn't sure what his role will be with the Marlins but he'll be ready tomorrow night when Miami faces the Mets.
"I haven't had a chance to talk to Ozzie yet (Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen) but I'll show up Friday night, ready to play and do whatever they (Miami) need me to do," said Mattison.
"This is a dream come true," added Mattison. "It's something I've dreamed about for a long time and for it to happen is just awesome."
"I just talked to Kevin, and he's pretty excited as you can imagine," stated Bulldog coach Tom Smith. "We're so proud of him at UNC Asheville. To make the majors when you're a 28th round pick is pretty darn impressive. He's worked so hard and just has skills like speed you can't coach. We're all Miami Marlins fans now."
Mattison joins former Bulldog Ty Wigginton as Asheville's other major league player. Wigginton plays for the Philadelphia Phillies and is in his 11th year in the big leagues. The two could square off in Philadelphia on June 1-3 when the Marlins visit the Phillies for a three-game series.
