Gary Matthews (matthga01)
From BR Bullpen
Gary Nathaniel Matthews Sr. (Sarge)
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 6' 3", Weight 190 lb.
- School Columbia State Community College
- Debut September 6, 1972
- Final Game October 2, 1987
- Born July 5, 1950 in San Fernando, CA USA
[edit] Biographical Information
Gary Matthews, often called "Sarge" or "The Sarge", was an excellent player who had 16 years in the big leagues. He was National League Rookie of the Year in 1973, was named to the All Star team in 1979, and was 5th in the MVP voting in 1984 when he led the league in on-base percentage for the division-winning Chicago Cubs.
He hit .300 for the San Francisco Giants, the Philadelphia Phillies and the Atlanta Braves at various times in his career.
The most similar player, according to similarity scores, is Dusty Baker, who played for the Atlanta Braves shortly before the Sarge did.
His 2,011 lifetime major league hits put him at # 240 on the all-time list (through 2007), tied with Johnny Mize. His 234 major league home runs put him at # 219 (through 2007), tied with Kevin Mitchell.
After his playing career, Gary Matthews was a Chicago Cubs coach from 2003 to 2006. Prior to that he was hitting coach with the Toronto Blue Jays (1998-1999) and the Milwaukee Brewers (2002). He also spent two seasons as a Blue Jays broadcaster.
His son Gary Matthews, Jr. is also a major league player. Sometimes called "Little Sarge", his son played outfield for the 2000 Chicago Cubs 13 seasons after his dad played his last season for the Cubs. Dave Martinez played with both Gary Matthews Sr. and Matthews Jr.
Currently (2007) Matthews is a television analyst for the Philadelphia Phillies.
[edit] Notable Achievements
- 1973 NL Rookie of the Year Award
- 1973 Topps All-Star Rookie Team
- NL All-Star (1979)
- 1983 NLCS MVP
- NL On-Base Percentage Leader (1984)
- NL Bases On Balls Leader (1984)
- 20-Home Run seasons: 3 (1976, 1979 & 1986)
- 100 Runs Scored Seasons: 1 (1984)
| NL Rookie of the Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1972 | 1973 | 1974 |
| Jon Matlack | Gary Matthews | Bake McBride |
| Blue Jays Hitting Coaches | ||
|---|---|---|
| Previous | Current | Next |
| Willie Upshaw | Gary Matthews | Cito Gaston |
| 1998 to 1999 | ||
