Matt Gorski, an Indiana Nitro alumnus recently became the 2nd member of our prestigious 2016 class to play Major League Baseball. Gorski joins former teammate Jacob Hurtubise (Cincinnati Reds) in achieving the dream of playing professional baseball at the highest level. On April 24th, the Pittsburg Pirates called Gorski up from the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians to plug him into their starting lineup against the Los Angeles Angels. Gorski wanted to capitalize on his opportunity in the majors, and he wasted no time doing so. In Gorski’s first Major League at bat, he tattooed a 2-2 fastball over the left center wall resulting in a 434 ft. home run. This hit produced an exit velocity of 115.2 miles per hour, which is tied for the hardest hit first Major League home run in the Statcast era. Although the Pirates fell short in a 4-3 battle against the Angels, Gorski made a great first impression and proved that he belongs in the show. After the game, Pirates’ manager Derek Shelton stated, “Gorski had a great at bat and hit the ball hard. We have seen him hit with power and that was evident in spring training.” Gorski has never been a stranger to praises throughout his baseball career but garnering positive feedback after a Major League debut is impressive in every way possible.
Gorski’s call-up to the majors was no fluke. Prior to his Major League debut, Gorski had been producing big numbers with the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians. In 18 games with the Indians this Spring, Gorski produced 21 hits, resulting in 7 doubles, 3 homeruns, and an overall batting average of .300. Prior to the start of the season, Gorski had a strong performance in spring training with the Pirates where he led the team with four home runs. From the beginning of his professional baseball career in 2019, Gorski has continued to prove his worth at every stop he has made. We have always known not to question if Gorski would play in the majors, but when! As an organization, it has been an absolute privilege watching Gorski’s baseball talent take him from the beginning with Indiana Nitro all the way to Major League Baseball. Gorski has earned his opportunity with the Pittsburg Pirates, and we look forward to cheering him on as he continues his journey in the major leagues.
