Honors & Awards

• 2003 MLB 31st-round Draft Pick (Boston Red Sox)

2004 Outlook
One of three all-state selections from Colorado in the freshman class, Matt Pike brings a lot of potential to the Husker program. The right-hander was considered one of the nation’s top high school pitchers before his senior year before posting an 11-1 record with a 1.77 ERA at Pueblo Centennial High School. At 6-6, 200 pounds, Pike already consistently throws in the upper 80s, while having the frame to add more weight throughout his collegiate career. A 31st-round draft pick by the Boston Red Sox, Pike saw limited duty in the fall because of injuries.

According to the coaches, Pike will have an opportunity to see significant time as a freshman, either out of the bullpen or as a possible mid-week starter. He comes from an athletic family, as his older brother, Gary, is a scholarship offensive lineman for the Husker football program, and Pitching Coach Rob Childress believes that Pike’s best days are still in front of him.

"Matt has a great frame and is a very projectable kid," Childress said. "He had some ups and downs in the fall, but wasn’t 100 percent healthy. He is healthy now and has made great strides in our winter conditioning program. Matt is someone who we think will not only develop in our program, but will have a chance to get the ball early on this season."

Before Nebraska
Pike pitched for Coach Jeff Kurtz at Centennial High School and was rated by Baseball America as one of the top 50 high school seniors in the United States and Canada in December of 2002. A 31st-round selection by the Boston Red Sox in the 2003 MLB First-Year Player Draft, he compiled a 11-1 record with a 1.77 ERA to earn All-Colorado honors by the Denver Post. Pike struck out 91 and walked 10 in 62.2 innings, helping Centennial to a 22-3 record and the Class 4A semifinals. A two-time All-South Central League selection, Pike was the league’s MVP by the Pueblo Chieftain in 2003. A two-way performer who hit over .400 while playing first base, he played in the state all-star game at Coors Field. Before his senior year, Pike played on the Colorado Rockies’ scout team and competed in several national showcase tournaments. Pike, who selected Nebraska over Wichita State, Louisiana-Lafayette and Arizona State, was a three-year starter on the diamond, while also playing golf during his freshman year.

Personal Info
Birthdate: Oct. 29, 1984; Parents: Gary and Leslie Pike; Brother: Gary; Major: General Studies.