February 2026 Athletes of the Month

Matteo Barrales

Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration -Thomas Edison

Hard work is noticeable at any age. Even the youngest can be inspired by seeing others around them giving great effort. As a player, it is great when you receive praise and recognition from your coaches. It is the best when it comes from your peers because then you know you really earned it. During the winter, Matteo Barrales has been recognized by coaches, peers, and younger athletes for his continuous hard work. Since coming through our doors he has always shown great effort but this year he has been also recognized for his consideration and helpfulness with others as well. Congratulations to our February Athlete of the Month, Matteo Barrales.

Last year Matteo joined the bandits program and continued to work every day knowing that high school was just around the corner. He has helped out with catching bullpens all winter, while also helping Coach Mercado with some of his younger groups. All the while, coming multiple times a week to perfect his own skills. Coach Mercado said about Matteo,

I have been working with Matteo for about 2 years. When I started working with him I saw a kid that loved the game and wanted to learn as much as possible. Matteo was, and still is, willing to put in the hard work. He works very hard on his own baseball skills but is also very willing to help others. He always helps me with the young kids and passes on the information that he has been learning. He is an exceptional teammate and is always willing to help whoever needs it. I am super proud of him. He truly deserves to be honored with the Athlete of the Month Award.

Ryan Mikalauskis, who coached Matteo last year said,

Matteo is the definition of what the coaches look for in the Athlete of the Month. After meeting and coaching Matteo for the Bandits, I could tell that he is not only the type of player but the type of kid that every coach wants to be around. Matteo is hard working and is willing to take on any task that any coach throws at him. While coaching Matteo, I relied on him heavily throughout the season to be the anchor of our team behind the plate. Through some long double headers, he never once shied away from any challenge that was thrown at him and remained a calm presence that his teammates could rely on. This winter he has only challenged himself more by catching bullpens for the older high school guys as just a freshman and helping be a good role model for the younger kids during catching classes. I am super proud of Matteo and know that this is just the beginning for him.

Matteo has worked very hard to get to where he has and we respect and appreciate all of it. Keep up the great work Matteo and good luck with everything in the future.

Braintree Baseball Club