30 Facts About Matt Festa

Early Life and Education

Matt Festa's journey to becoming a professional baseball pitcher began in New York. His early years and education played a crucial role in shaping his career.

1. Birth and Early Life: Matt Festa was born in Brooklyn, New York, and raised in the Bulls Head and Great Kills sections of Staten Island, New York. Growing up in these vibrant neighborhoods, he developed a passion for baseball.

2. Fan of the Yankees: As a child, Festa was a fan of the New York Yankees, one of the most storied franchises in Major League Baseball. This early admiration for the Yankees fueled his dreams of playing in the big leagues.

3. High School Education: Festa graduated from St. Joseph by the Sea High School in 2011. His high school years were marked by his dedication to both academics and baseball.

College Career

Festa's college years were pivotal in honing his skills and preparing him for professional baseball.

4. College Baseball: He initially enrolled at Dominican College but later transferred to East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania. At East Stroudsburg, he pitched for the East Stroudsburg Warriors, showcasing his talent on the mound.

5. Business Management Major: While excelling in baseball, Festa also majored in business management. Balancing academics and athletics, he demonstrated his commitment to both fields.

6. All-America Selection: In 2016, Festa earned All-America honors at East Stroudsburg University, a testament to his exceptional pitching skills and hard work.

Professional Beginnings

Festa's professional career began with the Seattle Mariners, where he quickly made a name for himself.

7. Drafted by Seattle Mariners: The Seattle Mariners selected Festa in the seventh round of the 2016 MLB June Amateur Draft. This selection made him the highest draft pick in East Stroudsburg University program history.

8. Minor League Debut: Festa made his minor league debut with the Everett AquaSox of the Low-A Northwest League in 2016. He posted a 6–2 win–loss record with a 3.73 earned run average (ERA) in 14 games (eight starts).

9. Promotion to High-A: In 2017, Festa pitched for the Modesto Nuts of the High-A California League. He went 4–2 with a 3.23 ERA and 99 strikeouts in 69+2⁄3 innings pitched. He also appeared in the league's all-star game.

Major League Milestones

Festa's journey to the major leagues was marked by significant milestones and challenges.

10. Double-A Debut: In 2018, Festa began the regular season with the Arkansas Travelers of the Double-A Texas League. His performance earned him a promotion to the major leagues by the Seattle Mariners on July 14.

11. Major League Debut: Festa made his major league debut on July 14, 2018, marking a significant milestone in his career.

12. Opening Day Roster: In 2019, Festa made the Mariners' Opening Day roster. However, he was sent down to the Tacoma Rainiers of the Triple-A Pacific Coast League multiple times during the season, ending with just 20 appearances for Seattle.

Overcoming Challenges

Festa faced several challenges, including injuries and team changes, but his resilience kept him going.

13. Designated for Assignment: On February 3, 2020, Festa was designated for assignment by the Mariners and outrighted to Tacoma on February 10. His 2020 season was cut short due to Tommy John surgery, which he underwent on March 5.

14. Rehabilitation: Festa returned to action in August 2021 for Tacoma, pitching 21+1⁄3 innings of 2.95 ERA ball for the team. He also appeared in four rehab games with the High-A Everett AquaSox and AZL Mariners.

15. Spring Training Invitee: In 2022, the Mariners invited Festa to spring training as a non-roster player. Starting that season, Festa decided to go by his full first name of Matthew instead of his abbreviated name Matt.

Comeback and Career Highlights

Festa's comeback story is marked by significant achievements and contributions to his teams.

16. Contract Selection: On April 7, 2022, the Mariners selected Festa's contract, adding him to their Opening Day roster. This marked a significant comeback for Festa after his injury and rehabilitation.

17. First Career Save: On July 17, 2022, Festa earned his first career save, striking out the side in the 10th inning to protect a one-run lead over the Texas Rangers. This achievement highlighted his growth as a relief pitcher.

18. Designated for Assignment Again: In 8 appearances for Seattle in 2022, Festa posted a 4.00 ERA with 13 strikeouts in 9.0 innings of work. However, on August 8, he was designated for assignment by the Mariners and released the same day.

New Opportunities

Festa's career took new turns as he signed with different teams, showcasing his adaptability and determination.

19. Minor League Contract with San Diego Padres: On January 26, 2024, Festa signed a minor league contract with the San Diego Padres. In 16 games for the Triple-A El Paso Chihuahuas, he posted a 4.50 ERA with 16 strikeouts across 16 innings pitched.

20. Release from Padres: Festa was released by the Padres organization on May 16, 2024.

21. Minor League Contract with New York Mets: On May 19, 2024, Festa signed a minor league contract with the New York Mets. In 11 appearances for the Triple-A Syracuse Mets, he recorded a 1.76 ERA with 19 strikeouts across 15+1⁄3 innings of work.

22. Active Roster Addition: On June 30, 2024, the Mets selected Festa's contract, adding him to the active roster. However, he gave up five runs (four earned) in a rain-delayed game against the Houston Astros and was subsequently designated for assignment on July 3.

23. Free Agency: Festa cleared waivers and elected free agency on July 5, 2024.

24. Minor League Contract with Texas Rangers: On July 8, 2024, Festa signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers. In four appearances for the Triple-A Round Rock Express, he recorded a 1.42 ERA with six strikeouts across 6+1⁄3 innings pitched.

25. Release and Re-signing: Festa was released by the Rangers organization on August 1, 2024. However, he re-signed with the Rangers on a new minor league contract on August 6.

26. Active Roster Addition Again: On August 11, 2024, the Rangers selected Festa's contract, adding him to their active roster.

International Career and Personal Life

Festa's career also includes international play and a fulfilling personal life.

27. International Career: In November 2022, Festa committed to play for Team Italy in the 2023 World Baseball Classic in Miami. He played under the guidance of Team Italy manager and hall of famer Mike Piazza.

28. Personal Life: Festa is married to Fox News reporter Danamarie McNicholl, adding a personal dimension to his professional journey.

29. Height and Weight: Matt Festa stands at 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) and weighs 195 pounds (88 kg).

30. Career Statistics: As of his latest stint with the Texas Rangers, Festa has a career ERA of 4.32 in the American League and 36.00 in the National League. He has 103 strikeouts over his career and has played for two teams: the Seattle Mariners and New York Mets.

Matt Festa's Baseball Journey

Matt Festa's career is a testament to grit and determination. From his early days in Brooklyn to his time with the Seattle Mariners, New York Mets, and Texas Rangers, Festa has shown resilience. His journey includes overcoming setbacks like Tommy John surgery and bouncing back stronger. Festa's commitment to his craft is evident in his achievements, such as his first career save and his selection for Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic.

His personal life adds another layer to his story, being married to Fox News reporter Danamarie McNicholl. Standing at 6 feet 1 inch and weighing 195 pounds, Festa's physical presence matches his on-field performance. With a career ERA of 4.32 in the American League, Festa continues to be a valuable asset in baseball. His journey is far from over, and fans can expect more exciting moments from this dedicated pitcher.