Interview With Yankees Bat Boy

I recently had the opportunity speak with New York Yankee bat boy, Matt Simeone. Matt grew up in my town and I also played sports in high school with his older brother, Alex. Matt took over as bat boy for the Yankees after his brother a few years ago. I had not spoken with Matt in years before this interview and figured this was the perfect opportunity to reach out to him. He works during the season for home games at Yankee Stadium and you can often see him on TV when the camera pans to the Yankee dugout or on-deck circle.

Aidan: I know last year was a real breakout season for the Yankees. Did it seem like there was extra hype surrounding the 2018 Yankees coming into the season? 

Matt: Definitely. I had not seen this kind of buzz from Yankee fans at the stadium since the 2014 season when Derek Jeter announced he was going to retire at the end of the year. The vibe is just different. After last season, the expectation from players and coaches is that they are the team to beat. 

Aidan: Considering you get a closer look as to how the Yankee players interact with each other in the dugout and around the clubhouse, do you get the sense that the players get along well? 

Matt: Yes, they are a fun group to be around with all of their fun handshakes and the joking around they do with one another. They all seem to really enjoy each other's company, but when it comes to game time, they expect a lot out of themselves individually and as a team. I think the more games they win the better the chemistry will become. 

Aidan: You mentioned the handshakes and jokes they do with each other, do you ever find yourself in the middle of any of that? 

Matt: Not too much. Of course I have some handshakes with a few players and they will joke with me here and there, but for the most part I stay to the side and let the players involve me when they want. I don't expect anything from the players or any extra attention, but this is a fun group to be around and I enjoy the chance to be in their company during the season. 

Aidan: Being the bat boy for the Yankees is such a cool job for a young kid, but do you think you will get the chance to continue working with the Yankees in the future in a different role? 

Matt: It is definitely something to think about for when I graduate from college and that would be my hope. But for now I am just enjoying the job I have right now with the best seat in the house at Yankee Stadium. I love being able to tell people what I do when they ask, and for me and my brother to have both done this unique job, it is something we will always remember.

I enjoyed getting to interview Matt to get a different perspective as to what the 2018 Yankees are like on a more up close and personal level. Next time you get the chance to watch a home Yankee game, keep an eye out for Matt when the camera zooms in on the batter in the on-deck circle or Yankee manager Aaron Boone on the top step of the dugout!