Nutshell: Embracing the Grind

Mat Olsen’s fast-track to professional baseball did not contain luxurious accommodations or plush amenities, just a trailer.

He determined the junior college route was the best option to reach the pros and chose nearby Central Arizona College in Coolidge, Ariz.

“Once I committed there, I was set in stone and that’s what I wanted to do since it was close to home,” Olsen said. “It all worked out, and they were a powerhouse. I fell in love with (Central Arizona College) like guys fall in love with their Florida or Vanderbilt and the big schools. It’s funny because it wasn’t the beautiful locker room or anything like that.”

The team’s clubhouse, housing the players’ lockers and two couches, was located inside a trailer. Olsen said that the team’s morals and traditions meant more to him than any flashy facility could.

Olsen redshirted his first season in 2019 when Central Arizona won the Junior College World Series. He went on to post 194 career strikeouts and a 2.09 career ERA over his two seasons in 2020 and 2021

The right-hander not only learned how to develop as a pitcher, but he also learned new perspectives about the sport that are not taught.

“You really learn the team aspect of things there,” Olsen said. "You’re not in Miami, Florida. You’re not even in Phoenix, Arizona. You’re in the middle of the desert. That was tougher for some guys, but I drove 20 minutes, and I was home, too, so that was always nice.”

He determined the junior college route was the best option to reach the pros and chose nearby Central Arizona College in Coolidge, Ariz.

“Once I committed there, I was set in stone and that’s what I wanted to do since it was close to home,” Olsen said. “It all worked out, and they were a powerhouse. I fell in love with (Central Arizona College) like guys fall in love with their Florida or Vanderbilt and the big schools. It’s funny because it wasn’t the beautiful locker room or anything like that.”

The team’s clubhouse, housing the players’ lockers and two couches, was located inside a trailer. Olsen said that the team’s morals and traditions meant more to him than any flashy facility could.

Olsen redshirted his first season in 2019 when Central Arizona won the Junior College World Series. He went on to post 194 career strikeouts and a 2.09 career ERA over his two seasons in 2020 and 2021

The right-hander not only learned how to develop as a pitcher, but he also learned new perspectives about the sport that are not taught.

“You really learn the team aspect of things there,” Olsen said. "You’re not in Miami, Florida. You’re not even in Phoenix, Arizona. You’re in the middle of the desert. That was tougher for some guys, but I drove 20 minutes, and I was home, too, so that was always nice.”

Happy Birthday, Mat! 🎉 pic.twitter.com/I1LE1S1nSl

— Richmond Flying Squirrels (@GoSquirrels) July 8, 2024

The other draw of going to a smaller junior college for him was the opportunity to play immediately.

“You have guys that go to these big dream schools of theirs and then sit on the bench for two years,” Olsen said. "You’re not going to develop without the game time.”

Coolidge’s population is estimated to be around 16,000 residents.

With minimal distractions in the town, Olsen’s focus was on his studies and baseball.

“There’s a Walmart, a couple gas stations and that’s about it.” Olsen said.

Olsen was used to being in small-town settings. He was born and raised in Florence, Ariz., which boasts an estimated population of 26,000 residents.

The town hosted a local Little League, but there were no competitive club teams for Olsen to join. From the time he was 10 years old and through high school, his family would drive him over an hour to either Mesa or Tucson for club baseball tournaments and practices.

Olsen was committed to go to Arizona State after his 2021 season at Central Arizona College, depending on where he landed in the Major League Baseball draft.

The San Francisco Giants selected him in the ninth round, and Olsen decided to take the opportunity to play professionally. He was able to celebrate the moment with his family, and his assignment with the Giants felt full circle.

The organization’s spring training complex at Papago Park in Phoenix was familiar territory for Olsen.

“I grew up playing at Papago, so when I first found out that the Giants had bought it, I thought it would be the same place,” Olsen said. “They put a ton of money into it, and I just think it’s cool. I really embraced it, and I didn’t want to be satisfied with just that. You just have to keep chugging along and keep your head down. Enjoy the things while you’re there, but it’s not everything.”

Another benefit of being with the Giants was the proximity of their affiliates to his home state and his family.

Olsen ended 2021 in the Arizona Complex League and spent the 2022 season between Low-A San Jose and High-A Eugene. He was shocked initially by the distance from Richmond to Arizona after earning a promotion to Double-A in 2023, but Olsen is always in contact with his family to keep a piece of home.

“I remember when I got here last year, and I was looking at Google Maps. That was the first time it had hit me about how far I was,” Olsen said. “But knowing I can go pitch well and I’m going to be able to talk with my family after the game, and it’s going to be great. Or I could go pitch the worst that I ever have and they’re still going to love me the same way, that’s something that’s really settled in for me the past couple of years.”

Favorite sports stadium? – Chase Field

What’s your favorite food? – Pizza and wings

What’s your favorite pitch to throw? – My heater, rip that thing!

What’s the best movie of all time? – Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby

What is your favorite off-the-field activity? – Going to Disneyland with my wife

Favorite player growing up? – Jacob deGrom

Most inspirational people in your life? – My family