Q&A with ex-MLB player, SoCal native Matt Luke
YORBA LINDA, Calif. — A Q&A with former Major League Baseball player Matt Luke.
What are your thoughts/guesses about the Angels for the 2024 season?
Matt Luke: I do not have high hopes for the Angels this season. However, with Shohei Ohtani moving on, the expectation may be a little lower, which could allow the Angels to play with less pressure.
What are your thoughts/guesses about the Dodgers for the 2024 season?
Luke: The Dodgers are the favorite to win the World Series for many. They will have the pressure to win and anything short of the World Series will be a disappointment.
What was it like to play Major League Baseball for two Southern California teams?
Luke: It was a dream come true to play for the Dodgers who have been my favorite team since childhood. While I was never an Angels fan, it was awesome to play so close to home and get to see so many friends and family at those games.
Do you have a saying or motto that you like to live by?
Luke: Love God and Love Others.
What did you love most about playing professional baseball?
Luke: The electricity of being inside a stadium where thousands of people come together. The smells and noises and overall environment are exciting.
What was the most challenging part about playing?
Luke: The grind of a long season. Staying mentally and physically ready and healthy day after day.
What is the most frequent question you get asked about being a former pro athlete?
Luke: Do you miss playing? My answer is “No.” It was a wonderful experience and season of life.
What have been some stand-out moments in your athletic career?
Luke: I have been a part of 7 championship teams: 1996 New York Yankees World Series Champions, 2 triple A championships with the Columbus Clippers and Durham Bulls, 1 single A championship with the Tampa Yankees, 1 independent league with the Long Beach Breakers, 1 Cape Cod League Champs with the Hyannis Mets and a CIF championship at El Dorado High School.
What got you interested in real estate and how was the transition from sports to creating your own business?
Luke: I was in transition after baseball and a good friend encouraged me to consider real estate.
What’s something you wish more people knew about being a pro athlete?
Luke: There is a ton more work that goes into being able to perform at the highest level. It takes years of a focused detailed plan to be able to have success.
What would you say to the broken-hearted Angels fans about losing Ohtani to the Dodgers?
Luke: You had your chance.
What advice would you give to all the young baseball players in Yorba Linda?
Luke: Have fun. Be hungry to learn. Hustle. Give it your all. Respect the game and everyone involved.
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