Unlike other seniors on the Park baseball team, 2019 is senior Matt Lidenberg’s first year attending St. Louis Park, along with his first season playing for the baseball team, according to coach Brian Kelly.

“Matt transferred this year from Eden Prairie. (He wanted) to have an opportunity to play college baseball,” said Kelly.

Lidenberg said he decided on Luther College over other schools because they had newer spaces and equiptment compared to other colleges..

“(Luther) offered me the most money and their facilities we very up to date. Out of all the other teams (I was deciding from), their baseball team was doing the best,” said Lidenberg.

This past summer Lidenberg needed a new summer baseball team to play on. After a small tryout Kelly welcomed him to the program.

“I met him last summer and he needed a place to play. He came and did a little individual tryout for the summer program, the railcats,” Kelly said. “He (then) came to a varsity practice and tried out with us one on one. I was really impressed with his work ethic and determination to show up and try out.”

Junior Jackson McClain said Lidenberg’s hard work and intent to improve is what sets him apart from others.

“He is determined to get his work done and he’ll always try hard in practice to get better,” said McClain.

According to Lidenberg, he is already familiar with a few of his new teammates, making it an easier transition to attend Park.

“I know quite a few of them from the (summer) season,” Lidenberg said.

Senior Luke Boyum, who has also committed to play baseball in college, said the biggest strength Lidenberg will add to his new team at Luther is being another smart and ready to go pitcher.

“He brings more depth to the pitching rotation,” said Boyum. “He is another pitcher we can add to our lineup and he’s pretty good.”

Kelly said the best part about coaching Lidenberg is that he is a very intelligent pitcher and is prepared for anything.

“His baseball IQ is really really high. If Matt is having a good inning on the mound he understands what he needs to work on. He (knows) when his curveball is working or when it is not and how to adapt to that,” Kelly said.

According to Lidenberg, he was inspired to continue his baseball career so he can stay busy and create new friendships.

“It is just another fun thing to do and another good way to meet people at a new place,” Lidenberg said.