1. Overview
Mathew Luke Kennelly (born on March 21, 1989) is an Australian professional baseball catcher. He is widely recognized for his contributions to the Australia national baseball team in significant international competitions, including the 2009 Baseball World Cup and the 2013 World Baseball Classic. Kennelly is the younger brother of fellow baseball player Timothy Kennelly.
2. Early Life and Background
Mathew Luke Kennelly was born on March 21, 1989, in East Fremantle, Australia. He grew up with his older brother, Timothy Kennelly, who also pursued a career in professional baseball and was notably affiliated with the Philadelphia Phillies organization.
3. Professional Career
Mathew Luke Kennelly's professional career has primarily centered around his role as a catcher, with notable appearances in international tournaments representing his home country.
3.1. Club Career
As a professional baseball player, Kennelly has played for various clubs. However, specific details regarding his club performances, team affiliations, and seasonal statistics are not extensively detailed within the provided source materials.
3.2. International Career
Kennelly has been a consistent presence on the Australia national baseball team, representing his country in major international baseball competitions.
3.2.1. 2009 Baseball World Cup
Mathew Luke Kennelly was selected as a member of the Australian national team for the 2009 Baseball World Cup. During this tournament, he wore uniform number 34. The roster for the Australian team at this event included players such as James Beresford, Nick Kimpton, Andrew Graham, Luke Hughes, Brendan Wise, Tim Kennelly (his brother), Dushan Ruzic, and Liam Hendriks, among others. The team was managed by Jon Deeble.
3.2.2. 2013 World Baseball Classic
Kennelly again represented Australia at the 2013 World Baseball Classic, where he wore uniform number 7. This marked his participation in another major international event for his country. The Australian roster for the 2013 Classic featured players including Joshua Roberts, Mike Walker, Corey Adamson, Allan de San Miguel, Brad Harman, Chris Snelling, Luke Hughes, Stefan Welch, Tim Kennelly, Justin Huber, Warwick Saupold, Shane Lindsay, and Ryan Rowland-Smith. Jon Deeble also served as the manager for the team in this tournament.
4. Playing Style and Position
Mathew Luke Kennelly primarily plays as a catcher, a key defensive position in baseball that involves receiving pitches, managing the game from behind home plate, and coordinating defensive plays. His play style is characteristic of a professional catcher, emphasizing defensive skills and strategic play.
5. Personal Life
Beyond his professional baseball career, Mathew Luke Kennelly maintains a close family relationship with his older brother, Timothy Kennelly, who is also a notable professional baseball player.
6. Legacy and Reception
While Mathew Luke Kennelly has been a consistent and reliable professional baseball player, particularly at the international level for Australia, detailed information specifically outlining his broader legacy or public reception within Australian baseball from the provided sources is not available.