Passing the torch: Matias Etchevers steps into Argentina’s legendary pitching circle
Argentina is renowned in the men’s softball world as a pitching development machine. From Hall of Famers Oscar Bolzan and Candelario Rosales to current superstars Huemul Mata and Roman Godoy — passing through head coach Jose Guerrinieri, Lucas Mata, Juan Potolicchio and many more — Argentine pitching has been second to none.
The WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup Finals in Prince Albert saw Matias Etchevers make his absolute debut with the senior national team. He entered Thursday’s game against Canada in the fifth inning with the game tied at three — and he delivered a stellar outing, pitching 2.2 scoreless innings, striking out four, and not allowing a single hit.
“Let’s be real—in plain terms, I was scared. Super nervous and anxious,” he admitted after the game. “I’d been feeling it for a week. The night before I couldn’t sleep, I was waking up at 2, 3 a.m. Once I was on the field, after throwing a few pitches wide, I settled in. And honestly, the team makes you feel really supported.”
Like many other softball players, Etchevers’ first steps in the sport are rooted in family. “My older siblings started playing at Club Atlético Talleres in Paraná. Then my twin and I started playing at four years old too. It all began thanks to my older brother. Then my dad and mom joined in. So it became a family thing.”
Matias ended up in the pitching circle almost by chance. “The older pitchers on my team were aging out of the category, and we had no one else. So I stepped in, started liking it, and things began to go well. I had great coaches, thank God. And from there, I stuck with it.”
When he was 10, Argentina hosted and won the 2012 U-18 Men’s Softball World Cup in his hometown, Paraná — a memory that would stay with him forever. “A friend and I were bat boys for Guatemala. I remember running around all the time because I was a slacker at school and had to study. But I still remember the final games. And at 10 years old, I think that was the first time Argentine softball truly moved me.”
“At that age you’re very innocent—you’re not really aware of the players, their quality, or how much you can grow to love the game. But it made you proud to say ‘Argentina became champion,’ and the next day you’d say: ‘Alright, now I’m going to hit like Roman Godoy.’”
Then in 2019, Argentina became senior world champions. “That was the happiest day of my life. At the time, we were preparing to play the Pan American Championship with the U-18 team. We watched every game. You felt it deep inside, because you wanted to be out there. It was a dream to see it happen.”
Now, he’s sharing the dugout with some of the same players who were part of those world championship teams in 2012, 2014 (at youth level) and 2019. “Honestly, it’s a huge emotion for me. When I joined the team in 2023, I was scared and nervous, because I’d always seen those players as my idols. That was one of the hardest things—playing with my idols. But the group is so experienced, and they welcomed me like one of them right away.”
“He’s a very committed guy—both to the team and to himself,” said head coach Jose Guerrinieri. “If we say we’re going to train a certain way, he shows up and does it. Beyond his talent, he’s built his pitching through discipline. And by listening. Having Pablo on his club team helped him absorb a lot. It’s fantastic.”
During his 2.2-inning performance, Matias showcased a nasty drop ball and a deceptive change-up. “The change-up? Pablo’s (Migliavacca) school—he taught me one of his tricks. And hey, you’ve got to use it, right?” he said with a smile.
“He’s here because he fully committed to his physical preparation. That was key in this last stage, and that’s how he built himself up—especially his confidence,” added Guerrinieri.
Etchevers might be a part of Argentina’s pitching staff for many years to come, continuing the country’s rich tradition of dominant arms. “We believe this sport is all about pitching. If you have good pitchers, you can compete, you can stay in the game,” said Guerrinieri. “And I believe that from a young age, especially when kids see older players, they start mimicking, copying movements. That’s a big plus. The younger you are, the quicker you pick things up. That’s where it all starts.”
“We already have a kind of pitching school, with fundamentals that all the kids are following. Just by watching and copying, it’s already happening,” explained Guerrinieri. “And as I said, they start really young. That makes everything easier. Hopefully, we can keep it going.”