After a decade of grinding through the minor leagues, Westbury native right-handed reliever Matt Seelinger is finally getting his shot.

Now 30 years old, Seelinger has earned a spring training roster invite with the Detroit Tigers in Lakeland, Fla. His journey in the game has been marked by perseverance, patience and belief.

“My love for the game and putting my all into it, and the support of my family and friends has earned me this opportunity,” Seelinger said in a phone interview. “I always had it ingrained into me that if I wanted to continue climbing the ladder, I had to put in the work.”

That work ethic has defined Seelinger’s path from the start. Despite a standout high school pitching career at W.T. Clarke High School in Westbury, he did not receive any Division 1 or Division 2 offers to play college baseball.

Undeterred, he continued developing his game at SUNY Farmingdale, going on to become the first drafted player in school history.

Selected in the 28th-round of the 2017 MLB draft, Seelinger has been steadily honing his craft in the minors ever since, playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates (2017-2018), Tampa Bay Rays (2019), San Francisco Giants (2020), Philadelphia Phillies (2021-2022), and the Detroit Tigers (2024-present). He also had a stint in independent ball with the Long Island Ducks (2024).

In 2025,Seelinger was 8-2 with a 2.74 ERA and 75 strikeouts in 65 innings pitching for Detroit’s AA Erie SeaWolves and AAA Toledo Mud Hens.

“We’re all excited for him because he’s worked so hard to get his spot on the roster,” saidTom Abruscato, who coached Seelinger in high school.

Seelinger credits Abruscato’s program with providing the foundation for his success. He has known his former coach since the age of seven, playing for him in summer and winter baseball camps. As a starter on their 2013 county championship team, Seelinger posted a 10-1 record.

“The program that Coach Abruscato has built is amazing,” Seelinger said. “It’s a strong tradition in our community. Growing up, you dream of playing varsity for him.” That tradition includes reunions of players from all of Abruscato’steams that won championships over the years, Seelinger noted.

Source: LI Press