Air Force Finds a Rising Star in Malakye Matsumoto from Sherman Oaks Notre Dame
Emerging Star Malakye Matsumoto Shines for Air Force Academy
The Air Force Academy has a knack for uncovering late-blooming baseball talent in Southern California, and their latest find is 6-foot-5 pitcher Malakye Matsumoto from Sherman Oaks Notre Dame High. Just six years ago, the Academy recruited Paul Skenes, a player from El Toro High who recently clinched the National League Cy Young Award. Matsumoto now finds himself in the spotlight as a pivotal closer for the Knights, who boast a 14-1 record this season.
As a freshman, Matsumoto played at the freshman level, followed by a stint on junior varsity as a sophomore. His performance last season included just three innings on the varsity team. This year, however, he has significantly advanced, showcasing a fastball reaching 94 mph alongside a .385 batting average and two home runs—his first in competitive play.
Matsumoto acknowledges the inspiration derived from Skenes’ journey. “That’s the route. That’s the goal,” he said, emphasizing the influence it has on his own aspirations. Air Force began recruiting him during his junior year after observing his performance in a travel ball tournament. The pitch was made easier due to his family’s military background, with both his father and grandfather having served in the Air Force, while his uncle was in the Army. Matsumoto also maintains an impressive 4.3 grade-point average.
"My dad told me everything about the Air Force," he explained. "Teaching me discipline, making me a better man, and setting me up for life.”
Throughout his development, patience has been key for Matsumoto. He appreciated the opportunity to play on lower-level teams without the immediate pressure of varsity competition, which allowed him to mature physically and mentally. “The biggest thing was it helped me build up my confidence,” he noted, recalling how he thrived as a shortstop during his earlier seasons.
Matsumoto expressed no issue with "staying in the background" during these formative years, as it provided him with enjoyment in the game. “Nobody really knew about me,” he said. “It allowed me to have more fun while playing the game.”
Coaches recognized Matsumoto’s burgeoning potential as he grew from 5-10 to his current height, with strength coach Nick Garcia noting his perfect attendance in the gym. Matsumoto transitioned through various positions before establishing himself as a formidable player in his senior year. “We always knew he would develop and be a big impact player down the road,” said co-coach Nick LaFace, highlighting Matsumoto’s impressive arm and defensive skills at third base.
His journey serves as a reminder that there are various paths to fulfilling baseball potential. Matsumoto cautions parents against pushing for early varsity placement, suggesting it adds undue pressure on young athletes. “They don’t understand it puts a lot of pressure on kids,” he said, advocating for a measured approach to athlete development.
Matsumoto, whose mother is of Korean descent and serves as principal at Hawthorne Math and Science Academy, and whose father is of Japanese descent and works in security, is aware of the challenges ahead. Despite his height, he jokes about his future in aviation. “They told me I won’t be able to fit in some planes being 6-5,” he remarked.
Unlike Skenes, who left Air Force after two years, Matsumoto is focused on his education and athletic journey. “It sets me up for life,” he stated, while also revealing his growing aspirations as a two-way player in college. “Pitching has become more of a reality,” he said, leaving the door open to new opportunities in his future.
