Through the first eight games of the 2026 season, Dominick is leading Umatilla with a .375 batting average, pacing the squad with nine hits, eight RBIs and six runs scored. Dominick is a player who has grown into one of the team’s most reliable performers, both at the plate and in guiding the pitching staff.

Dominick is a Class of 2026 prospect. He has been around the game since he was 6 years old, giving him 12 years of experience on the diamond. His father first introduced him to baseball, but several mentors helped shape his journey — including the late James Arnett and Bill Neely, and especially longtime supporter Coach Tony Thomas the current Eustis High School head baseball coach.

“Coach Thomas has been one of my biggest supporters throughout most of my baseball career,” Dominick says. “He has consistently pushed me to be better and has always believed in me, which has meant a lot.”

Dominick draws inspiration from a mix of family and baseball icons. He points to his mother as his No. 1 fan and guiding light, while Todd Frabott serves as a “second dad” teaching him practical life skills like changing brakes and oil. Sarah Frabott acts as another maternal figure, keeping him grounded and cheering him on.

On the field, it was MLB legend Ken Griffey Jr. who was the first player whose highlights captivated Dominick.

“Ken Griffey Jr. was the first baseball player whose highlights I watched,” he recalled. “I fell in love with how he made the game look fun and effortless.”

It’s a style that Dominick has attempted to craft his game after and it’s paying off in big ways helping lead Umatilla to a 7-1 record at the time of this writing.

Among his favorite memories, Dominick cherishes the Bulldogs’ victory over South Sumter High School that propelled them to the FHSAA regional finals last year. It was a moment that highlighted the tenacity of a small-town program.

Another cherished experience came at age 12, when he visited Coach Thomas, then playing for the Maryland Blue Crabs and got to hang out in the locker room, take batting practice with the pros and serve as bat boy.

“That experience meant a lot to me because it gave me a glimpse of what the next level looks like and made me even more motivated,” Dominic says.

Baseball has imparted key lessons and Dominick has learned plenty of them playing for Umatilla.

“Baseball has taught me that it’s okay to fail,” he explains. “Failure is part of the game, and when you fail, you have to learn from it and grow.”

Words from the late Coach Arnett still resonate with him. “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” Dominick took that to heart, transforming from a beginner who “wasn’t very good” into a key contributor through dedication and hard work which has paid off with an incredible start to this season.

He has also worked to overcome mental hurdles.

“One of my biggest challenges has been learning to stay out of my head and becoming more confident,” Dominick says. “Coach Thomas Kupec has really helped me with this by constantly reminding me to believe in myself.”

To younger players who look up to him, his advice is straightforward: “Have fun, be confident, stay humble, and don’t get in your own head.”

Dominick carries a 3.9 weighted GPA and plans to continue his baseball career in college while pursuing a degree in accounting.

But one thing Dominick enjoys is putting on the Umatilla High School baseball uniform. To him that uniform feels personal.

“It feels like playing for a family,” he says. “We’re a small town that a lot of people don’t even know how to pronounce or locate. But when I put on that jersey, I know we represent a small town with a big heart. The support from our community gives us confidence and motivates us every day.”

As for the Bulldogs, they are coming off a regional final run last year. Dominick is excited about the team’s potential.

“I’m most looking forward to the success we’re capable of having and seeing how much we can grow together as a team,” he says.

When he’s not playing baseball, Dominick unwinds by relaxing with his dog, watching baseball content, hanging with family and friends and, as he puts it, “annoying Sarah Frabott as much as possible.” Baseball remains his sole sport. It’s his singular passion that has defined his path.

“The one constant through all the years has been baseball.” The late great James Earl Jones couldn’t have said it better and for a player like Dominick Mathe it rings true.

For now, the early-season production from the senior catcher has Umatilla faithful hopeful for yet another great year.