Matlock wins No. 200

Amid hot start to the Vaqueros season, their skipper nets historic milestone

On March 4, with a 9-5 comeback win against the University of Houston in Schroeder Park, UTRGV Baseball’s Derek Matlock collected his 200th-career win as a head coach.

In his eighth season as the Vaqueros’ head coach, Matlock achieved this milestone after four straight seasons with 29 or more wins. Although, he would tell you that his individual record as a coach does not matter.

“The last thing I think about is my record, to be honest,” Matlock said. “But, when I did see the first text come across, ‘Congrats on 200 wins’ … it makes you reflect on all the players that have played for you and all the coaches that worked their butt off for you to sign players.”

He became the Vaqueros head coach ahead of the 2018 season. As of press time March 14, he has accrued a record of 203-164 (.553).

Matlock told The Rider reaching the milestone has nothing to do with him but everything to do with the players and coaches around him.

 This season, he has led the Vaqueros to an 11-3 overall record and a 6-0 record in the Southland Conference as of press time March 14, including the aforementioned come-from-behind win on the road, which secured his 200th victory.

Vice President and Director of Athletics Chasse Conque said Matlock has been “a cornerstone” for both the baseball program and Athletics department. 

“I couldn’t be more happy for Derek,” Conque said. “He’s poured his heart and soul into the program.”

Vaqueros first baseman Jacob Sanchez told The Rider on the bus ride following the game against Houston, the team members found out about Matlock winning his 200th game via social media and were “happy” and “excited” for him.

“It’s just been an honor to play for him,” Sanchez said. “He’s like a second parent. He’s always there for us. And if we’re in battle, he’s in battle with us, and he’s never going to leave our side.”

Upon hearing of Matlock’s 200th win, he said he received several messages of congratulations from past players and coaches, including the Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher, John Means.

Means pitched for two seasons at West Virginia University while Matlock was the pitching coach and recruiting coordinator there prior to his tenure at UTRGV. Means was drafted in the 11th round by the Baltimore Orioles in 2014.

“I haven’t talked to [Means] in forever,” Matlock said. “You hear a lot from a lot of people that you haven’t heard from in a long time. It really just makes you thankful for the people that’s been around you and the players I’ve coached. That was definitely a pretty busy night.”

UTRGV Baseball assistant coach Rob Martinez has been with the program for five seasons and said it has been “awesome” to work alongside Matlock.

“[Matlock] is about as deserving as anybody,” Martinez said. “He’s won everywhere he’s been. He’s a winner … and, obviously, we’re proud. And, you know, we’re really, really proud and excited to be a part of it.” 

As of press time March 14, the Vaqueros were first in the country in RPI (ratings percentage index) and 19th in 11Point7 College Baseball’s mid-major rankings.

“The sky is the limit,” Matlock said. “But, it doesn’t really matter how good your team is; it’s how good your team plays. So if we play good, we’re going to win. If we don’t play good, we’re going to lose and it doesn’t matter who we play.”