Archers’ Matt Leinberger has hopes of playing at Busch Stadium regularly, professionally
By: Spencer Gleason
-Sports Editor-
When the STLCC Archers lineup was posted in the visiting dugout at Busch Stadium, for their game against the Lewis and Clark Community College Trailblazers on Sept. 9, Archer infielder and freshman Matt Leinberger did not expect to see his name at the top of the lineup.
“I have never really been a lead-off hitter,” Leinberger said after the Archers 12-3 victory. “I have always been a middle-of-the-order guy and I go over there and look at the lineup card and I am first. I got a hit which was even better. It was indescribable. I will never forget it.”
Leinberger’s infield single, which was stopped by the diving Trailblazers second baseman, began a three-run bottom of the first inning. As soon as Leinberger reached first base safely he heard a familiar voice in the stands and he felt at home.
“As soon as I got to first base,” Leinberger said, “I heard my mom yelling. It never gets old. I love it. I love baseball.”
Leinberger’s mom, Tracey Naughton, believes in her son’s dream to play for the St. Louis Cardinals someday. It is a road that has been paved by several STLCC alumni and more recently by current Cardinals’ third baseman, David Freese.
“He is very passionate about baseball. He has been doing this since he was able to walk,” Naughton said. “His dream is to play for the Cardinals one day and he will not stop until he has that dream. I believe he can do it.”
The Archers and Trailblazers game at Busch Stadium was Leinberger’s second time playing in the major league ballpark. His first time came earlier this summer when he played in the second annual Smiles League Coaches’ Choice High School Seniors All-Star Game on June 16. It was a game in which local high school baseball coaches voted for the players to participate. Thirty-four seniors played in all.
Leinberger’s high school senior all-star appearance followed a St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Royals game. Following the game Leinberger met the idol of his nine-year-old sister and former Meramec baseball player, David Freese.
“He got his picture [with him],” Naughton said. “David Freese even signed a baseball for his sister. That was pretty cool.”
The spectacle parents have of watching their kid play at Busch Stadium is something few will ever know. As parents are the biggest fans of their kids, the real treat for them is seeing their kids’ dreams take one step closer toward reality.
“It is awesome,” Naughton said. “This is a dream come true. Matt said that when he stepped out there for the first time, to play twice on the field [at Busch Stadium], it is just amazing.”
