Matt Daley Signs Minor League Contract with New York Yankees

Garden City native Matt Daley will sport New York Yankee pinstripes next season, according to Baseball America.

The Garden City High School graduate (Class of 2000) signed a minor league contract with the Bronx Bombers after the 2011 season.

At 6-foot-2, the 29-year-old right hand pitcher, who underwent shoulder surgery during the summer, will serve the team at the Triple-A level.

Garden City High School varsity baseball coach Rich Smith knew Daley well during his high school days.

"It is such a tribute that Matt has worked himself into becoming a major league baseball player," Smith said. "Matt was a very talented high school baseball player. He really emerged during his senior year."

As a pitcher, Daley had a 10-1 record, Smith said, and won the Long Island championship game beating Hauppauge 3-1 throwing a two-hitter. He also won the New York State championship game beating Roundout Valley by a score of 12-0.

When not pitching, he played shortstop for the Trojans, Smith said, hitting .459 with 37 RBIs and five home runs.

"Matt's accomplishments from high school to professional baseball is a statement that shows you can achieve a dream if you are willing to work hard and sacrifice for what you want," Smith added. "That is what Matt did. It is an extreme pleasure to know and to have coached Matt. I will always be a Matt Daley fan. He deserves all the success that his career can bring him."

Resident Joe Mohen, a coach with the Garden City Bombers, added, "Matt's accomplishments have made all of us Garden City residents proud."