Name: Matt Palazzo
Position: Infield
DOB: 8/17/1982
Birthplace: Des Moines
Hometown: Pleasant Hill, Iowa
World Championship Experience
  • 2019 WBSC Men's National Championship; Hit .211 (4-for-19) with 3 HR, 6 RBI and 4 runs scored
  • 2017 WBSC Men's World Championship; Hit .240 (6-for-25) with two home runs, nine RBI and eight runs scored
  • 2015 WBSC Men's World Championship; Hit .217 (5-for-23) with one home run, two RBI and seven runs scored
  • 2013 National Team Member ISF Men's World Championship; Hit .469 (15-for-32) with 13 RBI, six HR and 17 runs scored
  • 2009 National Team Member ISF Men's World Championship; Hit .444 (12-for-27) with four HR, 11 RBI and nine runs scored
Other Career Highlights
  • 2019 Pan American Games Silver Medalist; Hit .286 (6-for-21) with 3 HR, 5 RBI and 8 runs scored
  • 2018 Intercontinental Cup; Hit .214 (3-for-14) with one triple, one RBI and four runs scored
  • 2015 Pan American Games; Hit .294 (5-for-17) with two RBI and two runs scored
  • 2014 Pan American Championship; Hit .292 (7-for-24) with two RBI and one run scored
  • 2007 ISF Men's World Cup in Prague; Hit .286, scored five runs and drove in two RBI
Personal: Parents are Kelli and Todd Palazzo...Married to Jocelyn Palazzo and they share three children: Madelyn, Matthew and Jordan...Enjoys playing golf and coaching baseball in his spare time...Three pet peeves: Guys walking to their positions, not giving 100% on the field and smiling after a loss
More

What does it mean for you to represent the United States of America? Wearing those three letters across your chest gives you such a surreal feeling. Listening to the anthem before the games and knowing you have the country backing you is pretty amazing.

What do you enjoy most about Men's Fast Pitch? The pace of the game is unmatched. I grew up playing baseball and this fastpitch game is incredibly challenging.

How did you get started playing softball? Watched my Dad play growing up and after my baseball career ended I wanted to get involved.

What is the best advice you've ever received? Coach Bruckert used to tell me about my natural leadership ability and the following I was able to attract. God rest his soul and I think about those words often.

What is your personal motto? You only live once.