Gary Matthews
With his unique brand of enthusiasm and all-out hustle, Gary Matthews was a huge favorite with teammates and fans over a 16-year career in the 1970s and 1980s. Originally selected by the Giants in the first round of the 1968 draft, Matthews joined Bobby Bonds and Garry Maddox in a talented San Francisco outfield in 1973. He made an immediate impact - batting .300 with 22 doubles, 10 triples, 12 homers, and 17 stolen bases - and winning the Rookie of the Year Award. The right-handed pull-hitter put up good numbers for several more years, after he left via free agency for Atlanta, and later in Philadelphia and Chicago. With the Cubs, he was one of the key ingredients on the 1984 division champions, scoring 101 runs and driving in 82. He finished fifth in National League Most Valuable Player voting that season, but never played regularly again, due to back injuries.
Played For
San Francisco Giants (1972-1976)
Atlanta Braves (1977-1980)
Philadelphia Phillies (1981-1983)
Chicago Cubs (1984-1987)
Seattle Mariners (1987)
Best Season: 1984
Matthews continued his clutch post-season success, driving in five runs in the Cubs' five-game loss to the Padres in the NLCS. He set career-highs with 101 runs and 103 walks during the regular season.
Born
Gary Nathaniel (Sr.) Matthews was born on July 5, 1950, in San Fernando, CA.
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
Primary Position: OF
Primary Team: SFN
Major League Debut
September 6, 1972
Nine Other Players Who Debuted in 1972
Dwight Evans
Buddy Bell
Mike Schmidt
Bob Boone
Gary Matthews
Davey Lopes
Goose Gossage
Rick Reuschel
Garry Maddox
Nicknames
Sarge
Family Tree
His son, Gary Jr., became an All-Star outfielder with the Rangers in 2006.
Related Players
Gary Matthews Jr.
| Hall of Fame Voting |
| Year |
Election |
Votes |
Pct |
| 1993 |
BBWAA |
0 |
% |
|
Post-Season Appearances
1981 National League Division Playoffs
1983 National League Championship Series
1983 World Series
1984 National League Championship Series
Post-Season Notes
Matthews belted seven homers in 19 post-season games. He hit at least on home run in each series he played in. He victimized Woodie Fryman, Fernando Valenzuela, Alejandro Pena, Jerry Reuss, Mike Flanagan, Eric Show, and Greg Harris.
Awards and Honors
1973 NL Rookie of the Year
1983 NL NLCS MVP
Transactions
June 7, 1968: Drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the 1st round (17th pick) of the 1968 amateur draft.
November 1, 1976: Granted Free Agency.
November 17, 1976: Signed as a Free Agent with the Atlanta Braves.
March 25, 1981: Traded by the Atlanta Braves to the Philadelphia Phillies for Bob Walk.
March 26, 1984: Traded by the Philadelphia Phillies with Porfi Altamirano and Bob Dernier to the Chicago Cubs for Bill Campbell and Mike Diaz.
July 11, 1987: Traded by the Chicago Cubs to the Seattle Mariners for a player to be named later. The Seattle Mariners sent Dave Hartnett (minors) (July 12, 1987) to the Chicago Cubs to complete the trade.
November 9, 1987: Granted Free Agency.
All-Star Selections
1979 NL
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