Kent State University at Tuscarawas is announcing the signing of a 2024 Columbus Bishop Watterson High School senior to their baseball team.

On September 28, Matt Jesse signed a National Letter of Intent to play for the Golden Eagles.

Jesse, primarily an outfielder was a three-year letterman for the Eagles baseball team after being promoted to varsity his sophomore season. As a pinch runner, he scored a run in a Central District semifinal game to send Watterson to the finals, and also scored a run in the district final game to send the game into extra innings. He was also a member of the Eagles state qualifying 4x200 indoor track relay team.

Academically, he has a 3.1 cumulative GPA and plans to earn a Bachelor's of Business Administration – Business Management degree at Kent State Tuscarawas.

His community service includes involvement in the annual Watterson baseball camp, tear down and set up at the St. Mary's festival in Delaware, OH, and is a festival volunteer for St. Andrews and St. Michaels parish in Columbus. He also takes part in local recreational basketball as an official scorer.

He has also been a bat boy for the Columbus Clippers, a Minor League Triple-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians and was promoted to bat boy manager.

"Matt is a real speedster and gives us a definite threat on the basepaths," said Cole Morozek, Head Baseball Coach for Kent State Tuscarawas. "He is deceptively explosive and can cover a lot of ground in the outfield and on the bases. He has a high baseball mentality a solid mindset. He's also one of those young men that when you meet him, you just like him. Besides very personable, caring and relatable, he's a pretty gifted athlete as well."

Matt Jesse signs his LOI witnessed by his parents.