Illinois isn't exactly a hotbed of baseball talent but the Land of Lincoln will still be represented in the 2022 World Series between the Phillies and the Mets.

Illinois produces far more professional basketball and football players than baseball players. That makes sense. Baseball is a warm weather sport so you'd expect states like California, Texas, and Florida to dominate baseball rosters and they do.

Now, back to the original question. Which World Series participant is from Illinois? If you knew this, you're probably a relative or went to high school with him because the player in question is Nick Maton.

I follow baseball pretty closely and had never heard of Maton before today, I mean I'm sure I've heard of him, I've just never remembered. He is a backup infielder for the Philadelphia Phillies and has played in about 80 games for the Phillies over the last two seasons.

Maton isn't a power hitter by any means but his defensive prowess has earned him a spot on the World Series roster. Expect to see him in late-game situations when Philadelphia is trying to hold on to a lead.

He does have a little bit of pop in his bat though.

Maton grew up in Chatham, Illinois near Springfield and attended Glenwood High School. Maton was obviously a stand out player for Glenwood:

Wikipedia - He was a four-year starter on the Titans baseball team and was named first team All-State and the Central State Eight Conference Player of the Year as a senior after batting. 442 with 28 RBIs, 45 runs scored and 20 stolen bases while also going 8-1 as a pitcher wih a 0.95 ERA and 102 strikeouts in 59 innings pitched. Maton was selected in the 40th round of the 2015 Major League Baseball draft by the Oakland Athletics but opted not to sign with the team and instead play college baseball at Eastern Illinois University.

You can catch Maton in the World Series starting Friday night at 7PM. All World Series games will be broadcast by FOX.

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