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Gary Matthews
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Gary Matthews
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Gary Nathaniel Matthews Sr. (born July 5, 1950), nicknamed "Sarge", is an American former professional baseball left fielder, who played 16 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB). After his playing days, Matthews was a color commentator for Philadelphia Phillies broadcasts.[1] He is the father of former big league outfielder Gary Matthews Jr.[2] The Matthews are one of seven father/son combinations in Cubs history; another son, Delvon, was a member of Milwaukee's Minor League Baseball (MiLB) system in 2000–2001.

Key Information

Playing career

[edit]

Matthews was selected in the first round of the June 1968 draft by the San Francisco Giants. He began his professional career in 1969 playing for the Giants' Decatur Commodores (A) affiliate in Decatur, Illinois. In 1973, his first complete season, he won the National League Rookie of the Year award.[3]

Matthews batted .281 during his 16-season major league career with the San Francisco Giants (1972–76), the Atlanta Braves (1977–80), the Philadelphia Phillies (1981–83), the Chicago Cubs (1984–87) and the Seattle Mariners (1987). He appeared in 2,033 games and recorded 2,011 hits, 234 homers and 978 RBI while scoring 1,083 runs. Matthews was the National League Rookie of the Year in 1973 after batting .300 with 12 homers and 58 RBI for the Giants.

During the advent of MLB free agency, Matthews signed a five‐year, $1,875,000 contract with the Braves on November 17, 1976. The terms included an annual $100,000 salary, a $125,000 bonus, a $250,000 investment account, an offseason job with Braves owner Ted Turner worth $50,000, $200,000 in commissions for his agent and $450,000 in deferred payments that brought an additional $300,000 in interest. Turner's violation of free-agent rules in his pursuit of Matthews earned him a one-year suspension and the Braves were stripped of its first-round selection in the 1977 MLB draft.[4] The denial of the draft pick was voided but Turner's suspension was upheld in Atlanta National League Baseball Club, Inc. v. Kuhn which was adjudicated on May 19, 1977.[5] Matthews had his best overall season with the Braves in 1979, going to the All-Star Game during a season in which he batted .304 with 27 homers and 90 RBI.

Eligible to become a free agent again after the upcoming season, Matthews was acquired by the Phillies from the Braves for Bob Walk on March 25, 1981. He signed a five-year contract extension upon his arrival in Philadelphia.[6] He saw postseason action with the Phillies in 1981 and 1983. He homered 7 times in 19 playoff games and was voted the MVP of the 1983 NLCS after leading the Phillies past Los Angeles into the World Series. In the 5-game series, he went 6-for-14 with three homers and eight RBIs.

Matthews was traded along with Bob Dernier and Porfi Altamirano from the Phillies to the Cubs for Bill Campbell and Mike Diaz on March 27, 1984.[7] He was a key contributor to the Cubs' NL Eastern Division title in 1984, batting .291 with 101 runs scored. In the first game of the 1984 NL Championship Series against San Diego, he homered twice. He spent three seasons as a starter in left field for the Cubs. Matthews was limited by injuries in 1987 before being traded in mid-season to Seattle for minor league pitcher Dave Hartnett.

In his 16-season career, Matthews batted .281 with 234 home runs and 978 RBIs in 2033 games. He finished with 183 career stolen bases, 1083 runs scored and 319 doubles. He had 2011 hits in 7147 at bats. He also exhibited plate discipline, with a lifetime .364 OBP, and a career high of .410. In 19 postseason games, he batted .323 with 7 home runs and 15 RBI. He posted a .968 fielding percentage as an outfielder.

Coaching career

[edit]

After retiring as a player following the 1987 season, Matthews worked in private industry and broadcasting before joining the Cubs' organization in 1995 as minor league hitting coordinator, a position he held for three years. He left the Cubs in 1998 to become Toronto's hitting coach; he was a member of the Blue Jays' coaching staff for two years, then joined their broadcast team for two seasons. Matthews returned to the field in 2002 as Milwaukee's hitting coach and served as a coach for the Cubs in 2003–06.

Broadcast career

[edit]
Matthews interviewing Cliff Lee in 2011.

Matthews began his broadcast career as a radio commentator for the Toronto Blue Jays (2000–01) and as a studio analyst on Headline Sports Television, a Canadian cable network based in Toronto. After concluding his coaching career following the 2006 season, Matthews served as a color analyst for the Philadelphia Phillies from 2007 to 2013. During his first year in Philadelphia's booth, Matthews provided analysis for the entire game alongside Harry Kalas and Chris Wheeler (Kalas provided play-by-play for innings 1-3 and 7-9 while doing the 4th on radio and taking the 5th and 6th off. Wheeler relieved Kalas during the middle three innings while doing color analysis with Matthews the rest of the game). For the remainder of his Phillies broadcast tenure, Matthews provided analysis for only the middle three innings. Following Phillies victories from 2008 to 2011, Matthews would also conduct a brief on-field interview with a player who made a key contribution in that day's game.[8]

On January 8, 2014, Matthews and Wheeler were relieved of their commentary duties with the Philadelphia Phillies. Both were assigned other jobs within the organization. Jamie Moyer and Matt Stairs were hired to replace them.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Gary Matthews

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Gary Nathaniel Matthews Sr. (born July 5, 1950), nicknamed "Sarge," is a former American left fielder who played 16 seasons in (MLB) from 1972 to 1987. Drafted by the Giants in the first round (17th overall) of the 1968 MLB Draft out of in , he debuted with the Giants in 1972 and later played for the , Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs, and Seattle Mariners. Matthews earned the National League Rookie of the Year Award in 1973 after hitting .278 with 12 home runs and 63 RBIs in his first full season with the Giants, establishing himself as a versatile known for his leadership and clutch performance. He was selected to the 1979 National League while with the Braves and had one of his best seasons in 1984 with the Cubs, where he led the league in (.407), batted .300, and finished fifth in NL voting. Over his career, he compiled a .281 , 2,011 hits, 234 home runs, 978 runs batted in, and 183 stolen bases in 2,033 games, ranking among the top left fielders of his era for on-base skills and durability. After retiring as a player, Matthews transitioned into coaching and broadcasting, serving as a hitting coach for the Toronto Blue Jays (1998–1999) and Milwaukee Brewers (2002), and as an outfield and baserunning coach for the Chicago Cubs (2003–2006). He later worked as a color commentator for the Philadelphia Phillies from 2007 to 2013 and for the Blue Jays in select seasons. Matthews is also the father of former MLB outfielder Gary Matthews Jr., and the family continues to be active in promoting youth baseball, particularly within Black communities, as of 2025.

Early life and amateur career

Upbringing and family background

Gary Matthews was born on July 5, 1950, in . Raised in the during the 1950s and 1960s, Matthews developed an early passion for through informal sandlot games common in local neighborhoods. These pickup games provided his initial exposure to the sport amid the growing popularity of in the area. Growing up in a predominantly working-class African-American community shaped by socioeconomic challenges during the civil rights era, Matthews honed his skills in these unstructured settings, fostering a strong that would define his career. This background instilled a resilient mindset, transitioning into organized high school athletics where his talents began to shine.

High school baseball and professional draft

Gary Matthews attended in , graduating in 1968. He was a standout player there, initially pitching for the team, though scouts projected greater potential as an due to his athleticism and speed. Matthews earned recognition as one of the top high school prospects in , leading to his selection by the Giants in the first round (17th overall) of the 1968 June Amateur Draft, straight out of high school. This draft position reflected his reputation as a highly touted athlete, and he chose to sign with the Giants immediately, forgoing to begin his professional career in the .

Playing career

San Francisco Giants (1972–1976)

Matthews began his professional career in the Giants' farm system after being drafted in 1968, spending his initial full season in 1969 with the Class A Decatur of the , where he batted .322 in 53 games. He progressed to the Class A Fresno Giants in 1970, hitting .279 over 117 games, before advancing to the Class AA Amarillo Gold Sox in 1971, where he posted a .280 average in 142 games, demonstrating consistent contact skills and plate discipline across levels. These performances, particularly his .300-plus season in 1969, highlighted his potential as a with speed and gap power, earning him a late-season call-up to the majors. Matthews made his MLB debut on September 6, 1972, starting in right field for the Giants against the Padres at , going 1-for-5 with a single, one run scored, and one RBI in a 6-0 victory. His first hit came off Padres pitcher Clay Kirby, a line drive single to center field in the fourth inning. In his initial 20 games that September, Matthews adapted to major-league pitching by refining his approach against breaking balls, batting .290 with four home runs and 14 RBIs, though he struck out in 13 of 62 at-bats while learning to handle velocity from veterans like Juan Marichal's teammates. In 1973, Matthews emerged as a full-time starter in left field and earned the National League Rookie of the Year Award, batting .300 with 12 home runs, 58 RBIs, 74 runs scored, and 17 stolen bases over 148 games. His breakout season featured 22 doubles and 10 triples, showcasing speed and extra-base ability that led the Giants' offense with a .384 , as voted by the . Over his five seasons with the Giants from 1972 to 1976, Matthews compiled a .285 with 64 home runs and 296 RBIs in 594 games, establishing himself as a reliable corner . From 1974 to 1976, he showed marked improvement in power, hitting 16 home runs with 82 RBIs in 1974, 12 with 58 in a injury-shortened 1975, and a career-high 20 with 84 RBIs in 1976, while providing solid defense with positive range in left field, committing just 12 errors over those three years. Following the 1976 season, Matthews signed as a with the on November 17.

Atlanta Braves (1977–1980)

Matthews signed with the as a on November 17, 1976, to a five-year contract worth $1.875 million, becoming one of the early high-profile signings in the nascent era of free agency following his departure from the Giants. The acquisition was marred by controversy, as Braves owner was fined $10,000 and the team forfeited its first-round draft pick for tampering with Matthews before he officially became a , leading to the landmark federal court case Atlanta National League Baseball Club, Inc. v. Kuhn (1977), which upheld the commissioner's authority under the "best interests of baseball" clause and influenced future interpretations of league governance in player movement. During his four seasons with from 1977 to 1980, Matthews emerged as a cornerstone of and a consistent offensive force, compiling a .288 batting average, 81 home runs, and 291 RBIs across 588 games while primarily patrolling left field with a reputation for his accurate and powerful throwing arm that deterred baserunners. Building on his 1973 National League Rookie of the Year experience with the Giants, Matthews adapted quickly to the Braves' lineup, providing power and on-base skills for teams that struggled in the standings. His defensive contributions included 10 assists in 1978 alone, showcasing his arm strength from left field. Matthews reached the peak of his offensive prime in 1979, batting .304 with 27 home runs and 90 RBIs while leading the Braves in hits (192), runs scored (97), and (.407), earning his only selection that year as he started in left field for the National League at the in . This performance highlighted his gap power and plate discipline, as he drew 80 walks to post a .407 OBP, helping anchor an Atlanta offense that ranked mid-pack in the National League. However, the 1979–1980 offseason brought tension, as Matthews, eligible for free agency after the 1980 campaign, sought a lucrative multiyear extension amid stalled negotiations with the Braves, ultimately culminating in his trade to the Phillies in March 1981 rather than testing the .

Philadelphia Phillies (1981–1983)

Gary Matthews was acquired by the Philadelphia Phillies on March 25, 1981, in a trade with the that sent pitcher to Atlanta. The deal came shortly after the Phillies' victory in the , positioning Matthews as a key addition to the defending champions' outfield. In his first season with , Matthews batted .301 with 9 home runs and 67 RBIs over 101 games, a performance impacted by the players' strike that split the season into halves. His contributions helped the Phillies secure the division title in the second half, leading to a playoff appearance where he hit .400 with 1 home run in the division series against the . The following year, 1982, Matthews played a full 162 games, posting a .281 average, 19 home runs, and 83 RBIs, solidifying his role in the lineup alongside stars like and center fielder . Matthews' tenure peaked in 1983, when he batted .258 with 10 home runs and 50 RBIs in 132 games during the regular season. However, his postseason performance earned him the award, as he hit .429 (6-for-14) with 3 home runs and 8 RBIs over the four-game series victory against the . Key moments included a three-run homer in Game 1 to spark a 6-1 win and another three-run shot in Game 4 to open a 7-2 clincher, powering the Phillies to the pennant. Over his three seasons with , Matthews compiled a .279 , 38 home runs, and 200 RBIs in 395 games, contributing significantly to two division titles.

Chicago Cubs and Seattle Mariners (1984–1987)

In 1984, Matthews was acquired by the Chicago Cubs in a trade with the Phillies on March 27, along with Bob Dernier and infielder Porfi Altamirano, in exchange for pitcher Bill Campbell and Mike Diaz. As a key , he delivered a strong performance that season, batting .291 with 14 home runs, 82 RBIs, and 101 runs scored over 147 games, contributing significantly to the Cubs' Division title—their first since 1945. His of .410 highlighted his value as a , helping spark the team's offensive surge alongside players like and Gary Matthews himself earning praise for his veteran leadership. Matthews remained a starter for the Cubs through the season, appearing in 123 games that year with a .259 average and 21 home runs despite some injury setbacks in 1985, where he played 97 games and hit 13 home runs. However, injuries limited him further in 1987, restricting him to 44 games with before the Cubs traded him to the Mariners on for a (later identified as minor leaguer Dave Hartnett) and cash considerations. With , he provided veteran presence in 45 games, batting .235 with 3 home runs and 15 RBIs in 119 at-bats, appearing primarily as a and . Over his four seasons with the Cubs and partial year with the Mariners, Matthews accumulated 348 hits, including 51 home runs, while maintaining a .264 in 456 games across both teams. His tenure marked the later stages of a durable 16-year career that concluded after the 1987 season at age 37, having played in 2,033 total games and amassing 2,011 hits, 234 home runs, and a .281 lifetime average—stats that underscored his longevity and consistency as an . Matthews was granted free agency on November 9, 1987, effectively retiring from playing thereafter.

Post-playing career

Coaching roles

After retiring from his playing career, Gary Matthews began his coaching tenure with the Chicago Cubs organization as the hitting coordinator from 1995 to 1997. In this role, he focused on developing prospects through hitting instruction across the Cubs' farm system. Matthews then joined the Toronto Blue Jays as their hitting coach, serving from 1998 to 1999. During his time with the Blue Jays, he contributed to the team's offensive strategies, drawing on his experience as a disciplined hitter from his playing days. In 2002, Matthews served as the hitting coach for the Brewers for one season. He returned to the Cubs in , initially as their hitting coach through the season. From 2005 to 2006, he transitioned to first base coach, where he also handled outfield and baserunning instruction. Throughout his Cubs tenure, Matthews emphasized fundamentals in hitter development and player positioning. Matthews was released by the Cubs along with the rest of the after the 2006 season, concluding his on-field instructional roles in .

Broadcasting roles

Matthews worked in broadcasting with the Toronto Blue Jays as a radio from 2000 to 2001. In 2007, Matthews joined the Phillies as a television color analyst on SportsNet, a role he held through the 2013 season, partnering with play-by-play announcer Tom McCarthy to cover regular-season and postseason games during the team's successful era, including five consecutive titles from 2007 to 2011. Matthews, affectionately known as "Sarge," became recognized for his enthusiastic delivery, often incorporating his nickname into lively calls that engaged Phillies fans, while providing insightful commentary on defense and hitting strategies drawn from his 16-year playing career. Following network changes at , Matthews was not retained for the 2014 season and was replaced by former players and as color analysts; over his broadcasting tenure with the Blue Jays and Phillies, he contributed to coverage of more than 500 games.

Personal life and legacy

Family

Gary Matthews was first married to Sandra Smith on February 10, 1973; the couple divorced on September 17, 1979, and shared custody of their only child together, , born on August 25, 1974. He later remarried, though the name of his second wife is not publicly detailed in available records, and they had four additional children: sons Delvon, Dustin, and Dannon, as well as daughter Paige. Dustin was selected by the Chicago Cubs in the 46th round of the 1998 MLB Draft but did not sign professionally, while Delvon briefly appeared in the Brewers' system. Throughout his playing career, Matthews prioritized family support amid frequent travels, with his children often joining him at ballparks and clubhouses; for instance, young Gary Jr. frequently shadowed his father, tagging along to games, dugouts, and sessions, fostering an early immersion in culture. Despite this environment, Matthews emphasized over athletics in raising his sons, avoiding pressure to pursue baseball professionally, though the family's backyard games, sessions, and interactions with MLB stars like and instilled a strong centered on the sport. His ex-wife Sandra remained involved post-divorce, maintaining close ties with the family, as evidenced by her attendance at events like the wedding of one of Matthews' younger sons. The exemplifies a multigenerational legacy, with Gary Sr. and Jr. forming one of seven father-son duos in Cubs history; Sr. amassed 2,011 hits over 16 MLB seasons from 1972 to 1987, while Jr. played 12 seasons from 1999 to 2010 as an outfielder for teams including the San Diego Padres, Cleveland Indians, Texas Rangers, and , earning an selection in 2006. This combined MLB tenure, spanning nearly four decades, underscores the sport's enduring role in their family bonds, as Del Matthews noted: "It’s a connection with my dad and my brother, it brings us together." Gary Jr. later reflected, "We loved this game... it shaped us with the work ethics we have."

Philanthropy and later activities

Following his departure from broadcasting in 2014, Gary Matthews has remained active as a Philadelphia Phillies club ambassador, participating in alumni events to connect with fans and support the organization's community outreach. He has made occasional appearances at Phillies alumni gatherings, such as the 2025 Alumni Weekend, where over 50 former players returned for ceremonies honoring team legacies. In this role, Matthews advocates for player development by emphasizing fundamentals and preparation, drawing from his own career experiences to mentor young athletes. Matthews has been deeply involved in focused on youth , particularly efforts to increase African-American participation in . In and , where he played significant portions of his career, he has worked to expose Black youths to the sport, stressing equal opportunities for all children regardless of background. He shared Negro Leagues history with his family and community through educational resources like coffee table books, fostering appreciation for 's diverse roots. His initiatives align with broader family commitments to revitalizing Black involvement in the game, including support for MLB's Urban Youth Academies, which provide training and facilities to underrepresented players. Matthews has stated, “All kids should get an opportunity to play the game,” underscoring his dedication to accessibility and inclusion. In recent years, Matthews has engaged in speaking engagements to inspire the next generation. At the 63rd Annual Reading Hot Stovers Banquet in 2025, he served as a , recounting highlights such as his 1983 MVP award and interactions with figures like U.S. presidents and broadcaster . He shared anecdotes about earning his nickname "Sarge" from for his leadership and competitive drive in the clubhouse, while encouraging award winners from Berks County programs to recognize their talents, add value through effort, and maintain a clear plan for success. These talks highlight his ongoing motivational role, often signing autographs and offering personal advice to attendees. Matthews' legacy as "Sarge" endures for his take-charge attitude and inspirational presence, both on the field and in community settings, though he has received no formal induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame as of 2025. His post-playing contributions continue to promote baseball's growth and diversity, extending the influence he built during his 16-season MLB career.

References

  1. https://www.mlb.com/player/gary-matthews-118433
  2. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/matthga01.shtml
  3. https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Gary_Matthews_(matthga01)
  4. https://andscape.com/features/baseballs-black-knights-this-family-wants-to-save-black-baseball/
  5. https://www.mlb.com/news/torii-hunter-gary-matthews-jr-host-2025-youth-academy-golf-tournament
  6. https://theshadowleague.com/black-baseball-is-the-matthews-family-business/
  7. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-02-06-sp-10384-story.html
  8. https://baseballhall.org/discover/card-corner/1974-topps-gary-matthews
  9. https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=matthe001gar
  10. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=matthga01&t=b&year=1972
  11. https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SDN/SDN197209060.shtml
  12. https://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/trades.php?p=matthga01
  13. https://www.nytimes.com/1976/10/06/archives/talking-with-matthews-costs-braves-10000.html
  14. https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/FSupp/432/1213/1367835/
  15. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/matthga01.shtml#all_standard_fielding
  16. https://www.baseball-almanac.com/teamstats/hitting.php?y=1979&t=ATL
  17. https://www.upi.com/Archives/1981/03/18/Gary-Matthews-the-Atlanta-Braves-unhappy-left-fielder-finally/4136353739600/
  18. https://www.nytimes.com/1981/03/26/sports/phillies-trade-for-matthews.html
  19. https://thisdayinbaseball.com/philadelphia-phillies-acquire-veteran-outfielder-gary-matthews-from-the-atlanta-braves-for-pitcher-bob-walk/
  20. https://www.mlb.com/video/matthews-three-run-blast-c37114803
  21. https://www.chicagotribune.com/1987/07/11/cubs-trade-matthews-to-seattle-2/
  22. https://www.chicagotribune.com/2000/11/27/matthews-upbeat-about-chances-to-replace-stone/
  23. https://www.mlb.com/bluejays/history/all-time-rosters/coaches
  24. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/matthews-announces-for-jays/
  25. https://www.mlb.com/brewers/history/coaches
  26. https://thebaseballcube.com/content/stats_mlb.asp?ID=2003~6&View=staff
  27. https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-180148918
  28. https://www.mlb.com/cubs/history/coaches
  29. https://www.chicagotribune.com/2006/10/10/ex-cubs-exec-analyzes-mess/
  30. https://www.mlb.com/news/phillies-tv-broadcasters-chris-wheeler-gary-matthews-set-for-new-roles/c-66399898
  31. https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/10262864/chris-wheeler-gary-matthews-philadelphia-phillies-broadcasters
  32. https://www.inquirer.com/philly/sports/sportsweek/20120715_The_transformation_of_Sarge.html
  33. https://www.delcotimes.com/2014/01/08/chris-wheeler-sarge-matthews-out-as-phillies-announcers/
  34. https://www.mlb.com/news/jamie-moyer-matt-stairs-join-phillies-broadcast-team/c-67649100
  35. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2884783/bio/
  36. https://www.mlb.com/news/for-matthews-clan-baseball-a-family-affair/c-64234982
  37. https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/2004/04/27/his-fathers-shadowbrmatthews-jr-followed-in-dads-footsteps/61992269007/
  38. https://library.sfo2.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/publications/baseball/yearbooks/BPHIPMG-2025-philadelphia-phillies-media-guide.pdf
  39. https://973espn.com/over-50-phillies-stars-return/
  40. https://mlb.mlb.com/community/uya.jsp
  41. https://www.readingeagle.com/2025/01/21/gary-matthews-recalls-his-major-league-days-at-hot-stovers-banquet/
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