Tall right-hander who has seen action in the infield and outfield as well as on the mound during his baseball career ... Likely to see majority of playing time in a pitching role at San Diego State although could be used at first base or in the designated hitter role on occasion ... Played the past two summers for the Cherry Creek Connie Mack team in Englewood, Colo. ... Was named MVP of the Playing Sports summer league team (in Denver) in 2006.
HIGH SCHOOL
A four-year varsity letterman at Ralston Valley High School in Arvada, Colo. ... Saw action as a pitcher, first baseman, third baseman and outfielder under head coach Shane Freehling ... Was a four-time 4A all-state selection and was named to the all-Jefferson County Conference first team all four seasons ... Only four-time all-state selection in any sport at Ralston Valley HS ... School record holder for wins and strikeouts in a season ... As a senior went 9-0 with a 3.08 earned run average, striking out 122 and walking only 20 ... As a hitter, batted .545 with 14 home runs and 72 runs batted in ... Chosen the Colorado player of the year and was named to the all-Colorado team (encompassing all divisions) ... Mustangs won state 4A championship ... Selected to play in the Colorado Rockies annual Top 50 game at Coors Field ... During his junior season hit .529 with 10 doubles and 31 RBI ... Compiled a record of 8-1 with a 3.02 earned run average and was named 4A player of the year ... Played on the varsity basketball team three seasons, earning all-conference honors in 2006 ... Finished high school with a 3.36 grade point average.
PERSONAL
Matthew James Skipper was born Sept. 9, 1989, in Salt Lake City, Utah ... Son of Ken and Brigid Skipper ... Was an all-state trumpet player while in middle school ... Enjoys deep sea fishing ... Favorite athlete is Boston Red Sox pitcher Josh Beckett ... Interested in a career in professional baseball ... Was also recruited by UNLV and Santa Clara ... Majoring in business administration at SDSU.