James Matula, a left-handed pitcher and two-way player (LHP/1B/OF) from Middlesex, tragically passed away in a tragic accident.
A left-handed thrower and hitter standing 5’6″ and 120 pounds, Matula was an uncommitted prospect who continued to develop his game on the mound and in the field.
Matula has participated in seven PG events, showing measurable growth across his appearances.
His notable improvement came in his pitching velocity: since June 2023, he has added 3 mph, reaching a best fastball velocity of 69 mph on October 6, 2023.
Compared to his class averages, he placed in the 17.99th percentile among 2026 graduates, indicating room for growth.
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Left-handed pitcher James Matula Passed Away In A Tragic Accident
As per the various sources, a left-handed pitcher from Middlesex tragically passed away in November 2025 in a tragic accident.
His car crashed while returning home from North Jersey after a family trip.
Middlesex Youth Baseball took to their official Facebook handle to announce the news. They wrote,
We are sadden to hear of the passing of James Matula. Our condolences to the family and friends. A great loss for Middlesex. Rest in peace.
Middlesex Youth Baseball
Marco Alfonzo Laguna, a legislative liaison at the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, also took to Facebook and wrote,
RIP James. Truly heartbroken but from what others have said about you and the type of person you were. They said that you were someone who would fight to the very end at anything. We all know that you truly did👏✝️. From people that all knew you….you truly were an example for others to follow. I am glad that you got to enjoy something special with those you were close to in baseball ⚾️ and your beautiful journey we call “Life.” I am glad you were able to connect with so many people within your community and change the lives of so many. It is sad that you are no longer with us but it is because of you, so many have come together and began to unite as one again. You may no longer be with us, but your spirit and memory will carry on throughout Middlesex, your family, and to those who were close to you🙏 My condolences to the Matula family, my family is available and willing to help in any way, our door is open!! As an old military saying when we lose a fallen brother and sister in Arms, “Til Valhalla” 🙏💔. You will not be forgotten 🙏
Marco Alfonzo Laguna
Cheryl Capra-Kortbawi wrote,
I have been absent from this app as much as possible, but I humbly return today to ask my friends, family, and colleagues to please take a moment to say a prayer for James Matula. He was critically injured in a car accident on Monday. He suffered a severe brain trauma. Please pray for him in any way you feel fitting and to whomever you give your faith to, but please, I ask you to pray for him. Please pray for the Matula family. They need strength and support.
Cheryl Capra-Kortbawi
Other close ones and relatives have also poured their heartfelt condolences and sent prayers to James’s family to stay strong in this difficult time.
Capital Craft – a restaurant and brewpub on Route 22 in Green Brook, which borders Middlesex, and has a connection to the family – has an active GoFundMe fundraiser for the family. As of late Friday night, it had raised over $13,000 toward a $25,000 goal.
That number grew to well over $38,000 as of 10 pm Saturday.
He will always be remembered for his unforgettable contributions as a baseball player.
Rest in Heaven, James Matula.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Matula played the outfield and hit .263 last season as a junior on the Group 1 champion baseball team, with six runs batted in 44 plate appearances and a couple of stolen bases.
- Matula was flown to a North Jersey hospital, where those close to the team say he died Saturday as a result of his injuries.
