WPH Rapid Fire Challenge: Nick Mattioni

WPH Press

Mattioni was a Triple A flamethrower, regularly hitting 93 on the gun in his middle relief appearances for the Mets. Mattioni is also a former junior national handball champion, who combines his 30 years of handball experience with nearly a decade in pro baseball to challenge the best R48 pros in the sport. Mattioni qualified for the R48 tour in his first two attempts, and quickly became one of the most dangerous floaters in the draw. 

Now Tennessee’s two-sport star faces the WPH Rapid Fire Challenge.

WPH Rapid Fire Challenge: Nick Mattioni

1. Best city to play: L.A.
2. Who is your toughest opponent: Dave Fink
3. Fastest person in handball: Killian
4. Who is the hardest hitter in handball: Lenning
5. Best server in handball: Danny Cordova 
6. Best off-hand in handball: Lenning
7. Handball hero: Chapman 
8. Favorite court: any concrete court
9. Player with the best offense: Lenning
10. Most satisfying tournament victory: anytime I qualify being an old guy
11. Most disappointing loss: 35 Masters nationals in Cincinnati a few years ago 
12. Most important title to win: Any nationals tournament 
13. Favorite doubles partner: don’t play doubles enough 
14. Favorite sport besides handball: baseball
15. Favorite sport to play besides handball: baseball
16. Favorite athlete (any sport): Nolan Ryan 
17. What is your favorite book: Moneyball
18. What is your favorite movie: Christmas vacation
19. What your favorite tv show: Seinfeld 
20. Most important shot in handball: pass
21. Your best shot: ceiling 
22. Legend you’d most like to play in his prime: Chapman 

David Fink

WPH Senior Writer