04/03/2026
CONGRATULATIONS JOSH MATTA!
Outside The Lines With Falmouth High's Josh Matta
By RICH MACLONE Mar 31, 2026 0
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Josh Matta
By RICH MACLONE
Over at Fuller Field this spring, there is a lot of excitement regarding the potential for the 2026 baseball team and its chances to make some real noise come state tournament time. One of the reasons for those high hopes is the pitching that the Clippers have, and leading the charge is senior lefty Josh Matta.
The youngest of the three Matta kids to play at Falmouth, “Joshy” has been around a diamond since he was old enough to walk and his glasses were far too big for his face. Even then, it seemed that he could throw strikes and hit a ball, and this will be his final season as a player for Falmouth doing those things. Last year, he was named the Cape and Islands League’s Most Valuable Player after a season that saw him shut down nearly every team that he faced.
Josh is the son of Julie and Bill Matta, and he has two older brothers, Jarod and Mike. He said his favorite subject in school is his gym class with Mr. Femino. “Good Will Hunting” is his favorite movie and “Ted” is his favorite TV show. Luke Combs is his favorite recording artist, and Evan Skoug is his favorite follow on social media.
Josh said that his go-to meal is steak tips with mashed potatoes and asparagus, with a Diet Coke. His most prized possession is the ball from his first varsity start.
How did you get involved with baseball? How much do you enjoy it?
I started at a young age, always following my brothers around and playing with them. Watching them made me want to do better and molded me into the player I am today.
Was there a moment while learning the sport where something clicked, and you realized that this was for you?
When I learned how to throw a strike.
What will be your role on the team this year, and what did you try to bring to the table?
I am one of the captains on the team this year, so that comes with some responsibility, but the big thing for me this year is to go out and compete on the mound and grab some more wins for the team.
What has been the most difficult skill for you to develop over the years, and what made it hard?
Two things: how to pick runners off at first, and how to deal with failure.
How rewarding has it been to improve?
It’s been great, but it is all about the work you put in when no one is watching.
As a starting pitcher, is your approach focused on the team you are facing, or do you focus more on executing your pitches?
I would say a little bit of both. I pitch on Fridays, so leading up to that, coaches Oliver and Kozens do a good job getting me ready for the opposing team, and then, come game time, I know how to use my stuff to execute and move through a lineup.
The team was very good last year and made a nice tournament run. What are the goals for this season?
Last season, we got too caught up thinking about the playoffs too early in the season, which led to us dropping a few games that we shouldn’t have. So this year is really all about the present, how to win one game at a time, to stack wins and make a push into the playoffs.
Of all the games that you have ever been in, do you have a favorite career highlight?
When I was 11, I got to play up in Cooperstown and threw a complete game shutout.
Who is the best teammate that you’ve ever played with? What makes that person stand out?
One teammate who definitely stands out is Connor Oliver. I’ve known Connor since I learned how to juke. Everyday Connor is always trying to get better, and he forces everyone around him to do the same. He has always been like a little brother to me, and one thing that I finally realized after all these years was he is a really good leader on and off the field.
Over the years, has there been a coach or teacher who has stood out as making a difference for you?
I’ve had two coaches that have stood out to me through my four years. I have known Coach Oliver since I was little, growing up with Connor. He is like a second father to me. And the other is Coach Kozens. They both have pushed me since freshman year to be the best version of myself I could be.
Do you have any sports-related superstitions? If so, what are they?
I do, I listen to the same playlist before every game, and have the same energy drink.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from playing sports?
That failure is a good thing.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be? Why?
Being able to fly—that would be pretty cool.
Is there anyone that you would like to thank?
I would like to thank my parents. They have always been right there whenever I needed them. I could not be where I am today without them. And, Steve Senior Jr., the best first base coach the Cape has to offer.
This is your final year of high school. What is something you wish you had known back when you were a freshman that would have helped along the way?
Do not take anything for granted; cherish all the fun times you have with your friends because they fly by. When I was a freshman, I was lucky enough to play with my brother, and I thought I had all the time in the world and in a blink, I was looking at my last season with the Clippers.
What is something about you that people would be surprised to learn?
I don’t like avocados.
If you could switch places with one person for a week, who would it be and what would you want to do?
I would say Garret Crochet on the Red Sox. It would be pretty cool to throw a baseball 100 mph and get paid millions.
Describe your idea of the perfect day.
Wake up around 9 AM, grab a six-dollar meal deal from Dunks, hangout with friends, play some MLB the Show, and then finally go to a Red Sox-Yankees game.
What are your post-high school plans?
I am committed to Salve Regina University to play baseball, and will be majoring in marketing.
