LYNN — He grew up down the street from Fraser Field, played high-school baseball for two years in the city, and was a five-year batboy for the North Shore Navigators – it was bound to happen.

Lynn’s own Anthony Mateo now pitches for his childhood team, the Navs.

“It’s surreal,” Mateo said. “I can’t even put in the words.”

But he can put in the pitches. The former Lynn English Bulldog just completed his freshman year at Alabama A&M, where he threw 30 strikeouts and appeared in 14 games.

“[It’s] just another level,” Mateo said. “Something I learned is whatever you did in high school does not matter anymore. You’ve still got to prove yourself and put in the work.”

Well, he’s been putting in the work since he was a child. He told his father he had a dream, but upon looking back, it’s a dream no longer.

“I remember telling my dad, ‘I just want to play for the Navigators when I get older,’” Mateo said. “That’s something I remember now until this day.”

He’s a fan, too, and said his time as a Navs batboy were years he’ll never forget.

“I was a batboy here for five years, watching games and being a part of it,” Mateo said. “Coming back as a player, yeah, it’s pretty cool.”

It’s even cooler when you take the mound in front of your friends and family.

“That was pretty amazing,” said Mateo, who has allowed just one hit alongside a strikeout in his two innings of action.

But he is human, after all.

“I was pretty nervous, I’m not going to lie,” Mateo said.

Two of his summer goals are to catch up with friends and family, and work hard. Mateo has already enjoyed learning from older and more experienced teammates.

“[I want to] improve as a player and obviously learn from returners and people older than me,” Mateo said. “You’ve got to continue to work hard to have success every game.”

Oh, a few others wouldn’t hurt, either.

“Pitcher of the Week,” Mateo said. “And hopefully make the All-Star game. That would be cool.”

Playing at Fraser has been “surreal” according to Mateo, who knows not to let his competitive nature overtake his experience.

“Just have fun,” Mateo said. “If you have fun, I feel like nothing else matters.”

When asked about his time with English, a smiling Mateo said it was great, especially the fact he was coached by Doug Mullins, who passed away three years ago after a battle with cancer.

“Man, it was great,” Mateo said. “Coach Mullins, who passed away a few years back, [was] the best coach I’ve ever been coached by. Always checking up on me – a great guy.”

Mateo’s aspirations are set on the MLB, and the 6-foot-2 right-handed pitcher is certainly in a good spot this summer.

“I’m trying to go to the pro level,” Matteo said. “I’m going to continue to work hard and see if I can achieve that dream.”