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Gary Matthews Jr.
Gary Matthews Jr.
from Wikipedia

Gary Nathaniel Matthews Jr. (born August 25, 1974) is an American former professional baseball outfielder. He played Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1999 to 2010. Matthews is the son of the 1973 Rookie of the Year, 1979 All-Star, and former Philadelphia Phillies broadcaster Gary Matthews.

Key Information

Career

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Early career

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Matthews played baseball at Granada Hills Charter and Los Angeles Mission College before being selected in the 13th round of the 1993 Major League Baseball draft by the San Diego Padres. He began his career with the Padres in 1999 and has also played for the Brisbane Bandits of the Australian Baseball League,[1] Chicago Cubs, Pittsburgh Pirates, New York Mets, Baltimore Orioles, Texas Rangers, and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. He was traded by the Mets to the Orioles for John Bale on April 3, 2002.[2] Up until 2006, Matthews was not a big figure in baseball, getting only 2,167 at bats over his first seven years (1999–2005). During that time, he hit 59 home runs, stole 54 bases, batted .249 and had a .397 slugging percentage.[3]

2006 season

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Matthews batting for the Texas Rangers in 2005

Matthews got off to a fine start in the 2006 season, and as a result he was chosen to play in the 2006 All-Star Game. He and his father were the 14th father-son combination to appear in an All-Star Game, as his father took part in the 1979 game.

Matthews is known for his jumping skills and flair for the dramatic in the field, often taking away what would be home runs in the process. His home run-stealing catch against Mike Lamb on July 1, 2006, was so outstanding, Lamb himself applauded after the play. Team radio announcer Eric Nadel said it was the best catch he's ever seen a Rangers outfielder make in his 26 years with the ballclub. It was later called the #1 defensive play ever performed by The Best Damn Sports Show Period.

On September 13 of the same year, Matthews hit for a natural cycle in a game against the Detroit Tigers, with a single for his first hit, a double for his second, a triple for his third, and a home run for his fourth.[4]

After his fine performance in 2006, with 19 home runs, 79 RBIs, and 194 hits (including 44 doubles), and respected defensive work in the outfield, he was signed by the Angels to a 5-year contract worth $50 million. Many baseball writers such as ESPN's Rob Neyer have called it one of the worst contracts of all time, citing that Matthews' prior performance was never good enough to deserve it and that his subsequent drop-off should have been predictable to the Angels.[5]

Human growth hormone controversy

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On February 27, 2007, the Times Union, an Albany, New York newspaper, reported an investigation regarding a steroid ring that involved more than two dozen doctors, pharmacists and business owners who have been, or will be, arrested in Alabama, Texas, Florida and New York. The investigation uncovered evidence that testosterone and other performance-enhancing drugs were purchased by current and former MLB players, NFL players, college athletes, high school coaches, a former Mr. Olympia champion and another leading contender in the bodybuilding competition. One of the baseball players named was Gary Matthews Jr. The evidence listed led to Matthews being named in the Mitchell Report. As a result of being naming in the report, he was given the derogatory nickname Gary Matthews Juicer.[6]

In coordination with the team's wish that Matthews make a statement on the matter, he denied using HGH.[7] The Angels had reportedly threatened to void Matthew's five-year, $50 million contract if he did not give a response to the allegations.[8] If he in fact took human growth hormone (HGH) prior to its addition to Major League Baseball's "banned substances list" in 2005, then he would be "grandfathered in", therefore resulting in no punishment but a stern warning, if anything, never to use HGH or any other substance banned by MLB in an attempt to further enhance his playing abilities.[9]

2008 season

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Matthews with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in 2008

Matthews had 8 home runs and batted .242 for the 2008 season.

2009 season

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On July 10, 2009, he got his 1,000th hit against Joba Chamberlain of the New York Yankees in the second inning. Matthews was the last hitter of the Angels 2009 season, striking out against Mariano Rivera to end game six of the 2009 American League Championship Series.

2009–2010 offseason and trade to Mets

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After the end of the season, Matthews went public with his desire to be traded to another team in spite of having two years left on his contract. "I don't expect to be back; it's time to move on", Matthews said. "I'm ready to play for an organization that wants me to play every day. This organization has other plans, and that's OK."[10] The OC Register's Sam Miller doubted Matthews could find a job with another team, comparing him to other aging player with similar attributes.[11] While calling Matthews' contract the sixth biggest franchise-killer, SI.com said the trade outlook for Matthew was not good. "The Angels are reportedly shopping Matthews, but it's hard to imagine any takers unless L.A. eats most or all of his remaining salary."[12]

On January 22, 2010, Matthews was traded to the New York Mets for relief pitcher Brian Stokes. The Angels picked up $21.5 of the $23.5 million left on Matthews' contract.[13] The trade was met with widespread surprise.[14] Buster Olney, writing for espn.com, wrote the Mets were "seeing something in him that other teams are not seeing." Quoting an anonymous talent evaluator for a Major League team, "Matthews is a player to be avoided. Slow bat. Declining range. And above all else, a player who wants to be a regular and will be an unhappy distraction in your clubhouse when he's not in the lineup every day", while another executive called the move 'baffling.'[15] Fangraphs' Matthew Carruth called the trade "close to a wash" while Rob Neyer of ESPN.com said "One might argue that the Mets just gave up something for less than nothing."[14][16] With regular center fielder Carlos Beltrán out after having undergone surgery, Matthews was the starting center fielder for the Mets on opening day.

On June 4, Matthews was designated for assignment after batting .190 in 58 ABs. On June 15 Matthews was released by the Mets. He signed a minor-league contract by the Cincinnati Reds on June 23. He was assigned to Triple-A Louisville, where he hit .313/.359/.490. However, he was not promoted to the majors, and on July 24, he opted out of his contract with the Reds and became a free agent.[17]

Coaching career

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Matthews served as the first base coach for the National League team in the 2024 All-Star Futures Game.[18]

Awards

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  • 2006 American League All Star

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Gary Nathaniel Matthews Jr. (born August 25, 1974) is an American former professional baseball who played in (MLB) for twelve seasons from 1999 to 2010. The son of longtime MLB outfielder Gary Matthews Sr., he was drafted by the Padres in the 13th round of the 1993 MLB June Amateur Draft from Junipero Serra High School in , and made his MLB debut with the Padres in 1999. Over his career, Matthews appeared for eight franchises—the Padres, Chicago Cubs, , , Baltimore Orioles, Texas Rangers, , and Mets again—batting .257 with 108 home runs, 534 runs batted in, and a .737 percentage in 1,282 games. His most productive year came in 2006 with the Rangers, when he hit .313 with 19 home runs and 79 RBIs, earning selection to the team and finishing 30th in MVP voting. Following that season, he signed a five-year, $51 million contract with the Angels, though his performance declined thereafter amid injuries and inconsistency. Matthews drew scrutiny in 2007 when federal investigators linked him to a 2004 shipment of human growth hormone (HGH) from an under probe for illegal drug distribution, with records showing the package addressed to his parents' home. He publicly denied ever using HGH or any performance-enhancing drugs, asserting the shipment was unsolicited and returned, and MLB declined to suspend him since the alleged purchase predated the league's ban on HGH. No criminal charges resulted from the matter.

Early life

Family background

Gary Matthews Jr., born Gary Nathaniel Matthews Jr. on August 25, 1974, in , , is the son of Gary Matthews Sr., a Major League Baseball outfielder who played 16 seasons across five teams from 1972 to 1987, compiling a .281 and 234 home runs while earning the 1973 National League Rookie of the Year award and a selection to the 1979 . His father, nicknamed "Sarge," later transitioned into broadcasting, including as a Phillies , and coaching roles that kept the family connected to . Matthews Jr.'s mother is Sandra Matthews; the couple divorced approximately four years after his birth, after which they shared custody and parenting responsibilities for their son. While his father pursued his MLB career, including stints with the Giants and Philadelphia Phillies, his mother attended college, reflecting the family's adaptive circumstances during Gary Sr.'s playing years. He grew up alongside three younger brothers—Delvon, Dustin, and Dannon—and a sister, Paige, in an environment steeped in baseball. Several siblings engaged with the sport at professional levels: Delvon played in the minor leagues, Dustin was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 1998 MLB Draft, and the brothers collectively aspired to emulate their father's path, fostering a household tradition of athletic pursuit and family involvement in player development initiatives.

Amateur baseball career

Gary Matthews Jr. attended Granada Hills High School in Granada Hills, , playing as a senior on the in 1992. The team's infield, led by Matthews, achieved an error-free record over nine games early in the season. He was selected by the in the 38th round of the 1992 June Amateur Draft out of high school but opted not to sign, choosing instead to pursue junior college . Matthews then enrolled at Los Angeles Mission College in Sylmar, California, where he played outfield for two seasons. He earned All-Conference honors in each year, demonstrating strong athletic potential as a switch-hitting prospect. In 1993, following his junior college tenure, Matthews was drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 13th round (366th overall pick) of the MLB June Amateur Draft from Mission College, marking the end of his amateur career as he signed professionally.

Professional playing career

Minor league beginnings

Gary Matthews Jr. was selected by the San Diego Padres in the 13th round, 366th overall, of the out of Mission College in . He signed with the organization in 1994 and began his professional career that year with the short-season Class A of the , where he appeared in 52 games, batting .209 with no home runs, 18 RBIs, and 3 stolen bases in 191 at-bats. In 1995, Matthews advanced to full-season Class A with the Giants in the , playing 128 games and posting a .238 , 2 home runs, 40 RBIs, and a league-high 28 stolen bases among team members in 421 at-bats. He showed further development in 1996 at High Class A of the , slashing .271/.359/.418 with 7 home runs, 54 RBIs, and 11 triples in 123 games across 435 at-bats. Matthews split 1997 between High Class A and Double-A Mobile BayBears, combining for a .288 average, 10 home runs, 52 RBIs, and 13 stolen bases in 97 games and 358 at-bats. He spent the full 1998 season at Mobile in the Southern League, achieving a career minor-league high .307 with 7 home runs, 51 RBIs, and 11 stolen bases in 72 games and 254 at-bats. Promoted to Triple-A Stars of the in 1999, he batted .256 with 9 home runs, 52 RBIs, and 17 stolen bases in 121 games across 422 at-bats before earning a call-up to the Padres in .
YearTeam (Level)GABAVGHRRBISB
1994Spokane (A-)52191.2090183
1995 (A)128421.23824028
1996 (A+)123435.2717547
1997/Mobile (A+/AA)97358.288105213
1998Mobile (AA)72254.30775111
1999 (AAA)121422.25695217
His progression reflected consistent improvement in power and average after an inauspicious start, culminating in a strong Double-A campaign that positioned him for major league consideration.

Major League Baseball debut

Gary Matthews Jr. made his debut on June 4, 1999, at age 24, starting in right field for the San Diego Padres against the Seattle Mariners in an interleague game at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. Batting leadoff as a switch-hitter, he had been called up from Triple-A after spending six professional seasons in the Padres' organization since being drafted in round of the 1993 MLB Draft. In the Padres' 3–2 victory before an attendance of 26,060, Matthews went 0-for-2 at the plate with two walks, reaching base three times. His most notable contribution came in the fourth inning, when he stole home on a double steal, scoring the first run of his major league career and helping the Padres take a 2–1 lead. The was his only one in the game, recorded without error in the field.

Texas Rangers tenure

Matthews signed with the Texas Rangers as a on April 8, 2004, shortly after his release from the . In his first season with the team, he appeared in 87 games, primarily in , posting a .275 with 11 home runs, 36 RBIs, and 5 stolen bases. He recorded a .350 and .461 , contributing to the Rangers' offense in a limited role following his mid-season arrival. The 2005 season marked Matthews' first full year with , where he played 131 games, batting .255 with 17 home runs, 55 RBIs, and 9 stolen bases. His stood at .320 and at .436, as he split time across outfield positions while providing consistent at-bats amid the Rangers' rebuilding efforts. Matthews experienced a breakout in 2006, his third and final season with the Rangers, appearing in 147 games and achieving career highs with a .313 , 19 home runs, 79 RBIs, 44 doubles, and 10 stolen bases. His .371 and .495 earned him an All-Star selection and a finish of 30th in AL Most Valuable Player voting, along with recognition as the Rangers' MVP and AL Player of the Week for the week ending September 17.
SeasonGamesAVGHRRBI2BSBOBPSLG
200487.2751136-5.350.461
2005131.2551755-9.320.436
2006147.31319794410.371.495
Following the 2006 season, Matthews was traded to the Los Angeles Angels on December 8, 2006, in exchange for pitchers Chris Young and Roberto Hernández.

Los Angeles Angels and 2006 season

Following his standout performance in the 2006 season with the Texas Rangers—where he appeared in 147 games, batting .313 with a .371 and .495 , accumulating 194 hits including 44 doubles, 19 home runs, and 79 RBIs, while earning his first selection—Gary Matthews Jr. entered free agency. This career-high output, which included hitting for the natural cycle on September 13 against the Detroit Tigers, positioned him as one of the top available outfielders. On November 22, 2006, Matthews agreed to a five-year, $50 million contract with the of Anaheim, pending a . The deal, which carried an average annual value of $10 million, included incentives for appearances, Gloves, Silver Sluggers, and postseason awards, reflecting the Angels' valuation of his defensive skills in center field and switch-hitting ability. Matthews chose the Angels over competing offers, including from the Giants, citing proximity to family—his seven-year-old son lived in nearby Santa Monica—as a key factor. The signing filled a need in the Angels' outfield, where Matthews was expected to anchor center field following the departures of veterans like , providing speed, power, and Gold Glove-caliber defense to complement leadoff hitters and . At age 32, the contract represented a significant in a player whose 2006 metrics suggested sustained production, though later analyses critiqued it as an overpay relative to his prior inconsistent career averages below .260.

Human growth hormone controversy

In February 2007, Sports Illustrated reported that law enforcement records indicated Los Angeles Angels outfielder Gary Matthews Jr. had received a shipment of Genotropin, a synthetic form of human growth hormone (HGH), in August 2004 from an Alabama pharmacy under federal investigation for illegally distributing performance-enhancing drugs to professional athletes. The pharmacy was part of a broader probe into Internet-based steroid and HGH trafficking, with documents allegedly showing Matthews as a customer who ordered the substance prior to MLB's implementation of HGH testing in 2005 or its formal ban under the league's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. Matthews initially remained silent for over two weeks following the report, prompting frustration from Angels owner , who publicly urged the player to address the allegations and cooperate with MLB investigators; Moreno noted Matthews had hired prominent attorney Robert Shapiro, delaying direct communication. On March 14, 2007, Matthews issued a statement denying any use of HGH, asserting, "I have never taken HGH during the 2004 season or any other time," and emphasizing that no accusations of actual use had been made against him, with no evidence of ingestion presented in the reports. MLB Commissioner Bud Selig considered potential discipline, including up to an 80-game suspension under the league's policy for non-analytical positives, and met with Matthews in November 2007 as part of an internal review; however, no punishment was imposed, as the alleged purchase predated MLB's HGH prohibitions and lacked proof of use or violation during a tested period. The controversy drew parallels to other players implicated in similar pharmacy probes, such as Troy Glaus and Scott Schoeneweis, but Matthews faced no formal charges or league sanctions, allowing him to continue his career without interruption.

Post-controversy performance and trade

Following the human growth hormone (HGH) allegations reported in February 2007, which stemmed from a 2004 shipment to Matthews from a under investigation for illegal distribution, conducted an inquiry but imposed no suspension, as the league confirmed in December 2007 that insufficient evidence existed to warrant discipline. Matthews maintained his innocence, stating publicly in March 2007 that he had never used HGH. In 2007, Matthews appeared in 140 games for the Angels, batting .252 with 18 home runs and 72 RBIs, a decline in from his .313 mark in 2006 but comparable power output. His performance regressed further in 2008, limited to 127 games with a .242 , 8 home runs, and 46 RBIs, reflecting reduced playing time and production amid increased outfield competition. By 2009, at age 34, he played only 103 games, hitting .250 with 4 home runs and 50 RBIs, as his role diminished to a reserve . This steady downturn aligned with age-related regression following a career-high 2006 season, rather than direct causal links to the controversy, which sources did not attribute as a performance factor. On January 22, 2010, the Angels traded Matthews to the in exchange for Brian Stokes, with the Angels covering $21.5 million of his remaining contract obligations under a five-year, $50 million extension signed after 2006 that had become burdensome due to his diminished value. The deal addressed Matthews' reported dissatisfaction with his bench role in Anaheim and allowed the Angels to shed salary tied to underperformance.

New York Mets and retirement

On January 22, 2010, the acquired Matthews from the in exchange for Brian Stokes, with the Angels covering $21.5 million of the remaining $23.5 million owed on his five-year, $50 million contract. In 34 games with the Mets during the 2010 season, primarily as a reserve , Matthews batted .143 with a .222 and .214 , recording 9 hits in 63 at-bats, no home runs, 2 RBIs, and 3 stolen bases while committing 2 errors in 41 total chances. His limited production reflected ongoing struggles with power, plate discipline, and defensive reliability following the 2007 human growth hormone controversy and subsequent performance decline. Struggling to secure a regular role amid competition from outfielders like and Angel Pagán, Matthews was by the Mets on June 4, , after the team activated Ángel Pagán from the disabled list. He cleared waivers and was released outright later that month, ending his Mets tenure without significant impact. On June 24, , Matthews signed a minor league contract with the and reported to their Triple-A affiliate, the , but appeared in only 12 games, batting .188 with 1 before his release on July 23, . With no further major league offers and diminishing skills at age 35—evidenced by a career-low .737 entering —Matthews did not play after the season, effectively retiring from the sport.

Post-playing career

Coaching involvement

Following his retirement as a player after the 2010 season, Gary Matthews Jr. transitioned into coaching roles within . In 2024, he was named first base coach for the National League team at the , held on July 13 at in . This selection highlighted his ties to the Texas Rangers organization, where he played from 2004 to 2006, and placed him alongside other former Rangers players on the staff, including bench coach , hitting coach , pitching coach , bullpen coach , and third base coach Gabe Alvarez. The event featured top minor league prospects, with the defeating the National League 7-1.

Philanthropy and baseball contributions

Matthews has engaged in philanthropic efforts primarily through support for youth baseball development programs. Alongside former teammate , he has co-hosted the annual MLB Youth Academy Celebrity Golf Invitational since at least 2019, with the event marking its seventh consecutive year in November 2024. The tournament, held in , raises funds for the Compton-based MLB Youth Academy, specifically benefiting initiatives like the Science of Baseball program, which provides instructional and educational opportunities to underserved youth. In addition to these fundraising activities, Matthews contributes to baseball's growth by advocating for increased diversity and access, drawing from his family's legacy in the sport. He has expressed support for MLB's Urban Youth Academies and related programs aimed at exposing diverse young players—particularly from underrepresented communities—to professional-level instruction and the game's broader aspects, emphasizing the importance of early immersion beyond just playing fields. These efforts align with familial initiatives led by his brother Delvon Matthews, who oversees MLB's Series and Elite Development Invitational, though Gary Jr. participates through accompaniment and public endorsement to foster talent pipelines. His involvement underscores a commitment to sustaining baseball's appeal and participation among youth, countering declining trends in certain demographics.

Personal life

Immediate family

Gary Matthews Jr. was born on August 25, 1974, to Sr., a former who debuted in 1972, earned the National League Rookie of the Year award in 1973, and played through 1987, and his first wife, Sandra Matthews. His parents divorced approximately four years after his birth, with both sharing responsibilities for his upbringing. Matthews Sr. later had three additional sons—Delvon, Dustin, and Dannon—with subsequent partners, who are thus half-siblings to Gary Matthews Jr. Delvon Matthews, like his father and half-brother, pursued a career in the . Public records provide no verified details on Matthews Jr.'s marital status or children from reputable sources such as official MLB biographies or major sports publications.

Business and personal interests

Matthews Jr. transitioned into after retiring from in 2010. He has owned multiple luxury properties in Corona del Mar, California, including a contemporary home listed for $3.55 million in 2014, which sold for $3.69 million in October 2017. In June 2023, he placed a blufftop residence on the market for $21.995 million, reflecting ongoing involvement in high-end property transactions. His business pursuits emphasize as a post-career focus, with public discussions framing it as a vehicle for financial diversification beyond athletics. Matthews Jr. has also expressed interest in broader investments to build generational wealth, aligning with family discussions on economic opportunities in baseball-related endeavors. On a personal level, Matthews Jr. enjoys , often using the activity to network and address business matters informally. His is estimated at $40 million, accrued primarily from his MLB earnings and subsequent activities.

Career statistics and recognition

Professional statistics

Gary Matthews Jr. appeared in 1,281 games across 12 seasons from 1999 to 2010 with the San Diego Padres, Chicago Cubs, , [Texas Rangers](/page/Texas Rangers), Los Angeles Angels, Baltimore Orioles, and . His career batting line included a .257 , 1,056 hits, 108 home runs, and 484 runs batted in, drawing 514 walks while striking out 849 times in 5,054 at-bats. Defensively, primarily as an , he recorded 2,805 putouts, 67 assists, and 62 errors in 2,934 total chances for a .979 fielding percentage.
StatisticCareer Total
Games Played (G)1,281
At-Bats (AB)5,054
Runs (R)612
Hits (H)1,056
Doubles (2B)221
Triples (3B)29
Home Runs (HR)108
Runs Batted In (RBI)484
Stolen Bases (SB)95
Walks (BB)514
Strikeouts (SO)849
.257
.331
.403
.734

Awards and achievements

Gary Matthews Jr. was selected to the in 2006 as a member of the Texas Rangers, marking his only such selection in a 12-season MLB career. That year, he finished 30th in voting for the Award. In July 2006, Matthews earned the Texas Rangers' Player of the Month honor, batting .289 with eight doubles, eight home runs, 18 RBIs, and 17 runs scored over 28 games. Matthews contributed to three American League West division titles with the Los Angeles Angels (2007–2009), appearing in the each year: three games in 2007, three in 2008, and four in 2009. Prior to his professional career, he received All-Conference honors at Mission College in Sylmar, , for two consecutive years while playing .

References

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