Matt Alexander

From BR Bullpen

Matthew Alexander (Matt the Scat)

Bats Both, Throws Right
Height 5' 11", Weight 169 lb.
School Grambling State University
Debut August 23, 1973
Final Game October 3, 1981
Born January 30, 1947 in Shreveport, LA USA

[edit] Biographical Information

Matt Alexander was a highly-touted rookie player for the Chicago Cubs in 1973. Heralded as a speedy leadoff hitter who could play infield or outfield, Alexander never lived up to his potential as an everyday player. He had played infield coming up through the Cubs' system, leading the 1969 Midwest League third baseman in putouts, despite playing a month and a half in the Texas League. Alexander missed the 1970-1971 seasons due to miltary service. When he came back, Alexander started playing outfield in 1972.

He came into his own, however, as a pinch-running specialist for the Oakland A's in 1975. His manager with the 1976 Athletics, Chuck Tanner, brought Alexander over to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1978. He was part of the Pirates' 1979 World Series winning team. In his major league career, he stole 103 bases, yet had only 168 AB. In a study done by Brandon Isleib of Baseball Prospectus, Alexander was found to have the most pinch running appearances of any player between 1957 and 2007, with 271, 73 more than runner up Otis Nixon.

In the history of Major League Baseball (through 2006), only seven non-pitchers have played at least 100 games and have more games played in their career then they have plate appearances; Alexander leads this group with 374 games played while accumulating only 195 plate appearances.

Alexander played for the Winter Haven Super Sox of the Senior Professional Baseball Association. He play in only one game, as a pinch runner, and scored a run.

Primarily wore number 36.