The Phillies’ prospect, Matt Kroon, is carrying on the family tradition of participating in the Fall League, just like his father, Marc Kroon, did three decades ago in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Marc, an experienced professional baseball player who reached the big leagues with the Padres, Reds, and Rockies, also achieved fame for striking out a young Michael Jordan during his time in the Arizona Fall League in 1994. Now, nearly 30 years later, Matt is following in his father’s footsteps by playing for the Scottsdale Scorpions in the AFL.
While Marc moved from the Bronx to Arizona during his high school years and established his home there, Matt attended the renowned Horizon High School in Scottsdale, which has produced several MLB players.
Matt’s baseball journey took him from Oregon to Central Arizona College and then to Oklahoma State before being drafted by the Phillies in the 18th round in 2018. He faced various injuries that slowed his progress, and by the time he was in his mid-20s, he had nearly given up on the idea of playing in the Arizona Fall League, focusing instead on reaching the major leagues.
However, with his improved performance in the 2023 season, Matt decided to participate in the AFL, a decision he never expected to make at this point in his career. Marc, now 50, is thrilled to see his son play in the AFL, as all of the Phillies’ affiliates are on the East Coast, making in-person visits challenging. Matt’s return to Scottsdale during the offseason allows Marc to watch his son play regularly and spend more time with him.
Both father and son acknowledge the advantages and challenges of playing in front of their hometown crowd. While it provides valuable family support and energy, it also adds pressure to perform well for their loved ones. Matt learned about the dedication and hard work required for success in baseball from his father’s example and appreciates the support from his family.
Their conversations range from baseball-related topics to deeper discussions about life, and they maintain a strong father-son relationship while navigating the unique dynamic of a former player and a current player. Marc emphasizes his role as a parent and expresses immense pride in all three of his children, not just as a former player. Matt views his dad as his best friend, someone he turns to during both challenging and victorious moments in his baseball journey.
While the competitiveness in both of them occasionally surfaces, with playful banter about hypothetical matchups, it’s clear that their bond as father and son is their primary focus, transcending the world of baseball.
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