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Mike Matheny
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Mike Matheny
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Michael Scott Matheny (born September 22, 1970) is an American former professional baseball player and former manager. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for 13 seasons as a catcher for the Milwaukee Brewers, Toronto Blue Jays, St. Louis Cardinals, and San Francisco Giants. Matheny later spent seven seasons as the manager of the Cardinals. One of the most accomplished defensive players of his era, he won four Gold Glove Awards. As manager of the Cardinals, his teams won one National League (NL) pennant and three NL Central division titles. He also managed the Kansas City Royals.

Key Information

From Reynoldsburg, Ohio, Matheny was selected by the Brewers in the eighth round of the 1991 MLB draft from the University of Michigan. He made his MLB debut as a member of the Milwaukee Brewers on April 7, 1994. Matheny established major league records among catchers for consecutive games played without committing an error (252), and consecutive chances fielded without an error (1,565). He is one of three catchers in major league history with an errorless season of at least 100 games, and in 2005, set a Giants single-season team record for catcher's fielding percentage at .999. Matheny made two World Series appearances, both with the Cardinals. He was a catcher in 2004 and a manager in 2013. He retired from playing in 2006 due to persisting symptoms of concussion, and has since become an advocate for its prevention and for improved catcher safety.

After his playing career, Matheny coached Little League Baseball. The Cardinals hired him to manage after the 2011 season although he had no professional coaching or managerial experience. In 2012, the Cardinals were wild card winners, and from 2013–15, claimed three consecutive NL Central titles, including winning a career-best 100 games for Matheny in 2015. He became the first manager in MLB history to lead his team to the playoffs in each of his first four seasons and the fifth to a League Championship Series appearance in each of his first three, reaching the 2013 World Series where the Cardinals were defeated by the Boston Red Sox. In 2018, he became the fourth Cardinals manager to manage the club in 1,000 games. The Cardinals fired him during that season after missing the playoffs the two previous years. Matheny then managed the Kansas City Royals for three seasons but did not make the playoffs and was dismissed at the conclusion of the 2022 season.

Early life and amateur career

[edit]

Matheny grew up in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, a suburb of Columbus. He graduated from Reynoldsburg High School, where he captained the baseball and football teams.[1] He received little attention from nearby Ohio State University but accepted a scholarship offered by University of Michigan coach Bud Middaugh.[2]

Out of high school, Matheny's defensive and throwing skills drew the notice of major league scouts, and the Toronto Blue Jays drafted him in the 31st round of the 1988 Major League Baseball draft. They waited two days until after the draft ended to tell him of his selection and initially refused to disclose which round they had selected him in. Two days before he was due to attend his first class at Michigan, Blue Jays general manager Pat Gillick appeared at Matheny's home to convince him to sign. Gillick was ready to offer a deal normally reserved for second-round picks. At the time, teams held the right to negotiate with their draft picks until the moment they entered their first classroom in the following academic year. The Blue Jays called Matheny frequently until the morning of his first class, hoping he would sign. However, Matheny was convinced that he would not be a very good professional player at that point, so he chose to attend college instead. Before proceeding to his first class, he called the Blue Jays from his dormitory room to inform them of his decision.[2]

Matheny co-captained the Wolverines.[3][4] He was also a member of the 1989 Connie Mack championship team.[1] In 1990, he played collegiate summer baseball with the Cotuit Kettleers of the Cape Cod Baseball League and was named a league all-star.[5][6]

Playing career (1991–2006)

[edit]

Minor leagues, Milwaukee Brewers and Toronto Blue Jays (1991–99)

[edit]

The Milwaukee Brewers selected Matheny in the eighth round of the 1991 Major League Baseball draft, and he spent three years climbing the minor league system.[7][8] He made his major league debut with the Brewers on April 7, 1994, at the age of 23. He became their starting catcher early in the next season.[9][10]

During a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on May 26, 1998, Matheny was batting in the bottom of the ninth when he took a pitch from Rich Loiselle off his face. Remaining upright, Matheny placed his hand on his hip as Pirates catcher Jason Kendall and home plate umpire Jerry Crawford motioned wildly for the Brewers trainers. He spat out a mouthful of blood as he walked off the field.[11] At the end of that season, he became eligible for salary arbitration, and the Brewers granted him free agency a few months later.[12]

Ten years after they drafted him, the Toronto Blue Jays signed him on December 23, 1998, for the 1999 season. He served as Darrin Fletcher's understudy. Toronto released him after the season.

St. Louis Cardinals (2000–04)

[edit]

Matheny signed with the St. Louis Cardinals on December 15, 1999. He barely made the Cardinals roster out of spring training but went on to earn the starting catcher's role in 2000.[13] He posted a career-high .261 batting average and provided exceptional defense for the Cardinals, with a .993 fielding percentage and throwing out 53 percent of attempted base stealers, well above the 32 percent league average.[14] Matheny helped the Cardinals improve from their fourth-place finish in 1999 to winning the National League Central Division title, and claimed his first Gold Glove award in the process.[15] After the season, the Cardinals signed him to a three-year, $9 million contract.[13]

After teammate Darryl Kile's sudden death in the summer of 2002, Matheny showed that he was an inspirational leader, helping the team to cope and make it to the National League Championship Series. After the 2003 season, the St. Louis and Houston chapters of the BBWAA voted for Matheny as the inaugural winner of an award established in Kile's honor.[1]

Bolstering his growing reputation as a top defensive catcher, Matheny again won Gold Gloves with the Cardinals in 2003 and 2004. His defensive contributions helped St. Louis reach the postseason in four of his five years with the team, including claiming the National League pennant in 2004.[16][17] Between August 1, 2002, and August 4, 2004, Matheny played in 252 games without committing an error, establishing a new Major League record for catchers.[18]

Matheny set another Major League record for catchers in 2004 by fielding 1,565 consecutive chances without an error.[18] During his playing days in a Cardinal uniform, Matheny caught 611 games, accumulating 4,938.1 innings and committing just 14 errors.[1] His .996 fielding percentage leads all catchers who have caught at least 2,000 innings for St. Louis.[19] He became a free agent after the 2004 World Series, primarily due to the emergence of rookie catcher Yadier Molina, whom he would eventually manage.

San Francisco Giants (2005–06)

[edit]
Matheny playing for the San Francisco Giants in 2006.

Matheny signed a three-year contract with the San Francisco Giants on December 13, 2004. The next season, he displayed a rare power surge, amassing career highs with 13 home runs, 34 doubles, a .406 slugging percentage, and 59 runs batted in (RBIs). Matheny continued his defensive excellence, compiling a team-record .999 fielding percentage and leading National League catchers with 13 double plays, 77 assists, and 39 base-stealers caught stealing, earning his fourth Gold Glove.[9][1][20] He also took home the Willie Mac Award that year, accorded annually to a Giant player for spirit and leadership.[21]

Matheny landed on the disabled list on May 31, 2006, after a series of foul balls caromed off his mask, resulting in a serious concussion.[22] In July, the Giants announced that he would not return for the remainder of the season and that his career status was in doubt. Giants beat writer Rich Draper wrote that Matheny's career was likely over due to continued struggles with post-concussion syndrome.[23]

Retirement and career statistics

[edit]

On February 1, 2007, Matheny announced his retirement from Major League Baseball at the age of 35 due to ongoing symptoms of post-concussion syndrome.[24]

In his 13-year major league career, Matheny played in 1,305 games, accumulating 925 hits in 3,877 at bats for a .239 career batting average, along with 67 home runs, 443 RBIs, and an on-base percentage of .293.[9] He led National League catchers twice in fielding percentage, ending his career with a .994 average, which was four points above the league average during his playing career.[9] His fielding percentage is tied for 24th best all-time among major league catchers, as of 2024.[25] Matheny also twice led National League catchers in baserunners caught stealing.[9]

Managerial career

[edit]

St. Louis Cardinals

[edit]

Hiring

[edit]
Matheny as manager of the Cardinals in June 2012.

On January 24, 2008, Matheny returned to the St. Louis Cardinals as a special adviser for the first two weeks of spring training. They announced him as their new manager on November 14, 2011, following Tony La Russa's retirement, making him the youngest manager in the major leagues.[26] Matheny's other prior coaching experience included Little League Baseball, and other interviewees included Terry Francona, Ryne Sandberg, José Oquendo, Chris Maloney and Joe McEwing, all of whom already had managerial or coaching experience in the major leagues.[27]

First season as manager (2012)

[edit]

On April 4, 2012, Matheny won in his managerial debut against the Miami Marlins in the inaugural game at Marlins Park.[28] Twenty days later, Matheny was ejected from a game for the first time for arguing a pivotal safe/out call by umpire Bill Welke in the bottom of the 10th inning of a 3–2 loss to the Chicago Cubs.[29]

Matheny's first season as Cardinals manager was a success, finishing the regular season with an 88–74 record before winning the Wild Card game. The Giants defeated the Cardinals in the NLCS.[30]

2013–14

[edit]
Matheny presents the Cardinals lineup card on May 12, 2014.

On February 14, 2013, the Cardinals picked up Matheny's 2014 option.[31] He surpassed the success of his first season by guiding the club in 2013 to an NL-best 97–65 record and his first National League Central division title. The Cardinals defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates 3–2 in the NLDS and the Los Angeles Dodgers 4–2 in the NLCS for his first NL pennant. The Boston Red Sox defeated the Cardinals in the World Series in six games, with many similarities to 2004, when Matheny was also a catcher for St. Louis. As in the Cardinals finished with the best record in the NL, and the Red Sox likewise defeated the Cardinals in the World Series. However, in 2013, St. Louis lost four key players to season-ending injuries, including Chris Carpenter, Rafael Furcal, Jaime García, and Jason Motte, and rookies comprised half of the World Series pitching staff.[32] On November 20, 2013, the Cardinals extended Matheny's contract for three more years through 2017.[33]

Making his first All-Star appearance as a major leaguer, Matheny was the NL manager in the 2014 game, which he lost.[34] The Cardinals won the NL Central division title in 2014, their second consecutive title, and third consecutive playoff appearance with Matheny as manager.[35] More trends continued as they eliminated the Dodgers from the playoffs for the second consecutive season, this time in the NLDS. Just like in 2012, the Giants eliminated the Cardinals in the NLCS before winning the World Series.[36]

2015

[edit]

After defeating the Chicago Cubs 10–9 on May 4, 2015, the Cardinals had an MLB-best 19–6 record and the best 25-game start for the club since at least 1900.[37] The seven game win streak was a career-high for Matheny.[38] The Cardinals defeated the Cubs again the next game, 7–4, extending the win streak to eight.[39] A 3–1 victory over the Detroit Tigers on May 17, 2015, secured the 300th win of his managerial career.[40] In August 2015, Baseball America published that fellow NL managers and coaches rated Matheny the second-best manager in the league.[41] On September 19, the Cardinals became the first team in the majors to qualify for the playoffs. Matheny became the first manager in MLB history to guide his club to the postseason in each of his first four full seasons.[42][43] With an 11–1 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on September 30, the Cardinals won 100 games for the first time in Matheny's managerial career, while clinching their third consecutive NL Central division title. The Pirates, who had kept close for most of the season, had already won 96 games, while clinching a wild card berth.[44][45] However, the Cubs, the second wild card team, defeated the Cardinals in the NLDS in four games.[46] Matheny finished second in the NL Manager of the Year Award voting,[47] and was a co-winner of the J. G. Taylor Spink St. Louis Baseball Man of the Year Award.[48]

2016−2018

[edit]

On May 27, 2016, Matheny gained his 400th career win in a 6–2 defeat of the Washington Nationals. In 2016, Matheny's contract was extended to 2022.[49]

On May 1, 2018, Matheny became the fourth person, following Red Schoendienst, Whitey Herzog, and Tony La Russa, to manage 1,000 Cardinals games.[50] However, the Cardinals fired him on July 14, following middling performance and clubhouse issues, including Matheny's poor communication with Dexter Fowler.[51][52][53] His 2018 record was 47–46, and his career in St. Louis over 1,065 games was 591–474 (.555).[54] The Cardinals did not make the postseason in his final three seasons as manager.[53]

Kansas City Royals

[edit]

On October 31, 2019, Matheny was hired as manager of the Kansas City Royals following the retirement of Ned Yost.[55] Matheny had previously been a special advisor for player development for the Royals.[56] The Royals exercised a contract option on March 31, 2022, retaining Matheny through the 2023 season.[57][58] On October 5, 2022, the Royals fired Matheny following the dismissal of general manager Dayton Moore.[59][60] He did not have a winning season with the Royals, peaking at 74 wins in 2021.

Managerial record

[edit]
Team Year Regular season Postseason
Games Won Lost Win % Finish Won Lost Win % Result
STL 2012 162 88 74 .543 2nd in NL Central 7 6 .538 Lost NLCS (SF)
STL 2013 162 97 65 .599 1st in NL Central 9 8 .529 Lost World Series (BOS)
STL 2014 162 90 72 .556 1st in NL Central 4 5 .444 Lost NLCS (SF)
STL 2015 162 100 62 .617 1st in NL Central 1 3 .250 Lost NLDS (CHC)
STL 2016 162 86 76 .531 2nd in NL Central – – –
STL 2017 162 83 79 .512 3rd in NL Central – – –
STL 2018 93 47 46 .505 Fired – – –
STL total 1065 591 474 .555 21 22 .488
KC 2020 60 26 34 .433 4th in AL Central – – –
KC 2021 162 74 88 .457 4th in AL Central – – –
KC 2022 162 65 97 .401 5th in AL Central – – –
KC total 384 165 219 .430 – – –
Total [54] 1,449 756 693 .522 21 22 .488

Awards and accomplishments

[edit]

Accomplishments

[edit]
  • First manager in MLB history to guide team to playoffs in each of first four seasons (2012–15)[43]
  • 100-win season as manager (2015)[47]
  • MLB record for consecutive games caught without an error (252 from 2002–04)[1]
  • One of three catchers in MLB history with fielding percentage of 1.000 with at least 100 games caught (2003)
  • Three consecutive seasons with fielding percentage of .999 or above, one or fewer errors and at least 100 games caught (2003–05)
  • San Francisco Giants' single-season record for catcher's fielding percentage (.999 in 2005)[1]
  • 1,000 games managed (St. Louis Cardinals)[61]

Awards

[edit]
Also:

Personal life

[edit]

Matheny's wife, Kristen,[2] is a former field hockey player at the University of Michigan. They have five children. Their oldest son, Tate, played college baseball at Missouri State University and was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the fourth round of the 2015 MLB draft.[63][64] Their daughter, Katie, played ice hockey at Ohio State.[65] To date, two of the younger Matheny sons have played college baseball, Luke for Saint Louis University[66] and Blaise for Missouri State.[67] Matheny majored in sports management and communications with an emphasis in Spanish.[68]

Matheny routinely chronicles his life experiences and maintains a blog of which topics includes leadership and changing the culture of youth sports.[69][70] He is a devout Christian, often including Bible verse citations when he signs autographs.[71][72]

Charity work

[edit]

Matheny organized and created Catch-22, a charitable organization (named for his playing position and uniform number) which donated tickets for Cardinals games between 2002 and 2004. In 2005, Matheny opened the Catch-22 Miracle Field at the Chesterfield Valley Athletic complex in Chesterfield, Missouri.[1] The field has a completely flat and firm rubber surface and other features to allow children with a wide array of physical and mental handicaps to participate. [1][73]

Real estate

[edit]

Unprofitable real estate transactions left Matheny heavily in debt. In 2005, Matheny founded MPD Partnership with two former professional indoor soccer players, Daryl Doran and Brett Phillips. They purchased a block of the WingHaven development in St. Charles and realized a $2.4 million profit in six months. After Doran left the partnership to start a gym, Matheny and Phillips used their money to secure an $11.8 million loan from the Business Bank of St. Louis for an 11-acre tract near Interstate 64.[74] That investment lost money, at least partially due to the 2008 financial crisis, and Matheny wound up more than $4 million in debt. In May 2010, he wrote to the Business Bank to say that he would not repay the remainder of the loan. The bank sued him one month later.[75][76]

In 2010, he lost a 17-room house in Wildwood, Missouri, following insolvency on two commercial plots in near Chesterfield Valley.[75]

Matheny's attorney, Robert Blitz, was handling a similar case—Fischer and Frichtel, a homebuilder who also defaulted on assets after sustaining losses over the same time period, contends that they should not be fully liable for what is termed as "deflationary debt". The St. Louis appellate court deferred the case to the Supreme Court of Missouri.[77] In January 2013, a circuit court ruling determined that the Matheny partnership owed the Business Bank $4.4 million.[74]

See also

[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Mike Matheny.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Mike Matheny

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Michael Scott Matheny (born September 22, 1970) is an American former professional baseball catcher and manager in (MLB). He played 13 seasons from 1994 to 2006, appearing in 1,285 games with a .239 , 67 home runs, and 443 runs batted in, while earning recognition as one of the league's top defensive catchers with four Gold Glove Awards. As a manager, Matheny led the Cardinals from 2012 to 2018, compiling a 591–474 record (.555 winning percentage) and guiding the team to four consecutive playoff appearances, including a National League pennant in 2013 and a franchise-record 100 wins in 2015. He later managed the from 2020 to 2022, posting a 165–219 record (.430 winning percentage) before being fired at the end of the 2022 season. Since then, Matheny has transitioned into roles as an author, , and faith-based advocate, including promoting his 2025 on fatherhood and coaching. Matheny was born in , a suburb of Columbus, and attended Reynoldsburg High School, where he was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 31st round of the 1988 MLB Draft but did not sign. He played college baseball at the before being selected by the Milwaukee Brewers in the eighth round of the 1991 MLB Draft. Making his MLB debut with the Brewers on April 7, 1994, Matheny spent his first five seasons there (1994–1998), followed by one year with the Blue Jays (1999), five with the Cardinals (2000–2004), and his final two with the Giants (2005–2006). He won Gold Glove Awards in 2000, 2003, and 2004 with and in 2005 with San Francisco, highlighting his defensive excellence as a premier handler of pitchers. Prior to managing in the majors, Matheny served as a catching instructor in the Cardinals' system starting in and became the team's bench coach in 2011. Appointed Cardinals manager on , 2011, following the retirement of , he quickly achieved success by winning the division in his first season and reaching the each year through 2015, a first in MLB history for a new manager. His 2013 Cardinals advanced to the , falling to the Boston Red Sox in six games, while the 2015 team set a modern-era franchise record with 100 victories before a quick NLDS exit. Tensions with players led to his midseason dismissal on July 14, 2018, after a 47–45 start. Hired by the Royals as a special assistant in late 2018, Matheny was promoted to manager on October 31, 2019, succeeding . His tenure coincided with the challenges of the COVID-19-shortened season and subsequent rebuilding efforts, resulting in three consecutive losing seasons and no playoff berths, culminating in his firing on October 5, 2022. Overall, Matheny's managerial career yielded 756 wins against 693 losses (.522 ) and one trip to the (2013). In recent years, he has focused on youth development, writing, and , often drawing on his experiences in and resilience to inspire audiences on topics like fatherhood and .

Early life

Childhood and education

Michael Scott Matheny was born on September 22, 1970, in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, a suburb east of Columbus. He grew up in a close-knit family as the third of four sons to parents Jerry and Judy Matheny; his father worked as a heavy equipment construction worker, while his mother served as a staffer for a Baptist missionary association. During his childhood in Reynoldsburg, Matheny showed an early passion for sports, especially baseball, basketball, and football, often engaging in informal games like Wiffle ball in the backyard with his brothers. Matheny attended Reynoldsburg High School, graduating in 1988. After high school, Matheny enrolled at the , where he studied from 1989 to , majoring in sports management and communications with a minor in Spanish; he earned Academic All-Big Ten honors in 1990. He departed the university prior to completing his degree to sign a with the Brewers following the MLB Draft. Matheny later returned to the to complete his degree in sports management and communications with a minor in Spanish.

Amateur baseball career

Matheny excelled in and football at Reynoldsburg High in , where he served as captain of both teams during his senior year. Following his high school graduation, Matheny was selected by the Blue Jays in the 31st round (810th overall) of the but opted not to sign, choosing instead to attend the to further his education and career. At Michigan, Matheny played catcher for the Wolverines from 1989 to 1991. In 1989, his freshman year, he earned the Ted Sizemore Award as the team's best defensive player and was named to the All-Big Ten third team, helping the team to a 49-16 record and a Big Ten Conference championship. As a sophomore in 1990, he was an Academic All-Big Ten honoree as the team finished 33-24 overall. His junior season in 1991 saw him bat .281 with 15 doubles, 7 home runs, and 39 RBIs in 52 games while earning first-team All-Big Ten honors, the Ray L. Fisher Award as team MVP, and serving as co-captain; that year, the Wolverines advanced to the Big Ten Tournament but did not win the conference crown, finishing with a 34-23-1 record. Following the 1991 season, Matheny was drafted by the Brewers in the eighth round (208th overall) of the MLB Draft and signed a professional contract on June 5, 1991, forgoing his senior year to begin his pro career.

Professional playing career

and Brewers (1991–1998)

Mike Matheny was selected by the Brewers in the eighth round of the 1991 June Amateur Draft out of the , signing a professional contract on June 5, 1991. He began his career that summer with the Rookie-level Helena Brewers of the Pioneer League, where he appeared in 64 games, batting .285 with 2 home runs and 34 RBI. In 1992, Matheny advanced to the Advanced A in the , playing 106 games and posting a .219 with 6 home runs and 46 RBI, demonstrating emerging power despite a dip in . His progression continued in 1993 with the Double-A of the , where he batted .254 over 107 games, adding 2 home runs and 28 RBI while solidifying his defensive skills behind the plate. By 1994, Matheny reached Triple-A with the New Orleans Zephyrs of the American Association, appearing in 57 games with a .220 average, 4 s, and 21 RBI before earning a call-up to the majors. Brief stints in Triple-A followed in 1995 (6 games, .353 average, 3 s) and 1996 (20 games, .227 average, 1 ), primarily as injury rehabilitation or depth options, while a single 1998 appearance at Beloit Snappers yielded a .250 average in 2 games. Throughout his tenure, Matheny's batting hovered between .219 and .285 across levels, with modest power output (14 total s) and a focus on plate discipline, walking more than he struck out in several seasons; his defensive prowess, including strong arm strength and game-calling, accelerated his promotions. Matheny made his Major League Baseball debut with the Brewers on April 7, 1994, against the at County Stadium, entering as a defensive replacement and recording a single in his first at-bat. He appeared in 28 games that season as a September call-up, batting .226 with 1 and 2 RBI, primarily serving as a backup to starter . In his first full season in 1995, Matheny played 80 games, starting 47 behind the plate and batting .247 with 21 RBI, though he hit no s; his defensive value was evident, with zero Total Zone Runs as a , indicating average fielding efficiency. Matheny's role solidified as a reliable backup catcher during his Brewers tenure, sharing duties with Nilsson and later Geoff Jenkins, while appearing in over 100 games in 1996, 1997, and 1998. In 1996, he batted .204 with 8 home runs and 46 RBI across 106 games, marking his highest power output with the team but reflecting struggles against left-handed pitching. He rebounded in 1997 with a .244 average, 4 home runs, and 32 RBI in 123 games, earning praise for his 6 Total Zone Runs defensively, highlighting improved range and accuracy on throws to second base. A notable moment came during a 1996 game when Matheny was struck in the face by a fastball, requiring stitches inside his mouth yet allowing him to remain in the contest, underscoring his durability. By 1998, Matheny appeared in 108 games, batting .238 with 6 home runs and 27 RBI, but his -4 Total Zone Runs indicated a slight defensive decline amid increased wear from handling a heavy workload. Over his five seasons with (1994–1998), he totaled 445 games, a .229 , 18 home runs, and 128 RBI, establishing himself as a steady, defense-first whose consistent availability and toughness positioned him for future opportunities, though his offense remained modest.

Toronto Blue Jays and St. Louis Cardinals transition (1999–2000)

In the final months of 1998, following five seasons with the Brewers, Mike Matheny was granted on December 21 and quickly signed a one-year contract worth $600,000 with the Toronto Blue Jays on December 23. As a backup to Darrin Fletcher, Matheny appeared in 57 games during the 1999 season, primarily handling late-inning defensive duties and occasional starts. His offensive output was modest, batting .215 with three home runs and 17 RBIs over 163 at-bats, while providing steady relief behind the plate for a Blue Jays team that finished second in the AL East with an 84-78 record. Toronto released Matheny on November 16, 1999, making him a once more. Seeking depth at after the departure of Carlos Hernandez, the Cardinals signed Matheny to a one-year, $750,000 contract on December 15, 1999, intending for him to serve as a veteran backup to primary starter Eli Marrero. Matheny, who had family roots in the Midwest, relocated from the area to with his wife and young children, settling in the suburban community to establish a long-term base in the region. However, Matheny impressed during in 2000, earning the starting catcher's role and leapfrogging Marrero, who shifted primarily to outfield duties amid the team's catching surplus. Matheny's transition to St. Louis marked a defensive turning point in his career, as he started 117 games behind the plate in 2000 and led the National League by throwing out 49 of 93 baserunners attempting to steal (52.7 percent), the highest caught-stealing rate in the majors that year. Offensively, he contributed a .261 with six home runs and 47 RBIs in 128 games, helping stabilize the lineup for a Cardinals squad that captured the NL Central title with a 95-67 record. His emergence as a reliable handler of the pitching staff, including aces and , provided crucial support during 's first division championship since 1987, setting the stage for his extended tenure with the club.

St. Louis Cardinals peak (2001–2004)

Matheny's tenure with the St. Louis Cardinals from 2001 to 2004 marked the pinnacle of his playing career, where he established himself as one of the National League's premier defensive s while contributing steadily to the team's offensive output. Over these four seasons, he appeared in 494 games, batting .235 with 23 home runs and 174 runs batted in, primarily serving as the everyday behind the plate. His consistent presence helped anchor a Cardinals lineup that featured rising stars like and established hitters such as , contributing to the team's competitiveness in the NL Central division. Matheny's transition from the Blue Jays in 2000 had positioned him as a reliable backstop, but it was during this period that he fully integrated into the Cardinals' culture. Defensively, Matheny excelled, earning Gold Glove Awards at in both and 2004 for his superior handling of pitchers and ability to control the running game. In , he threw out 30 of 110 baserunners attempting to steal, posting a 27.3% percentage while committing zero errors in 138 games behind the plate, a career highlight that underscored his flawless fielding. He logged over 900 innings caught each year, averaging 976.1 innings annually, and was particularly effective in framing pitches and managing pitching staffs, including right-hander Woody Williams, who posted a 3.54 over 62 starts with Matheny as his primary battery mate during 2003-2004. Williams credited Matheny's preparation and game-calling for enhancing his performance, noting the catcher's role in stabilizing the rotation amid the Cardinals' push for . Matheny's defensive reliability proved invaluable in the postseason, as the Cardinals made deep runs in 2002 and 2004. In the against the San Francisco Giants, he batted .316 (6-for-19) over five games, including a crucial two-run in Game 4 that helped secure a 5-4 victory and extend the series. Two years later, the Cardinals captured the NL pennant by defeating the Astros 4-3 in the 2004 NLCS, with Matheny starting all seven games despite a modest .105 ; his steady catching supported a pitching staff that limited Houston to a 3.29 ERA in the series. In Game 7, a 5-2 win sealed by Jeff Weaver's , Matheny's handling of the staff contributed to holding the Astros scoreless after the third inning, marking 's first World Series appearance since 1987. Throughout this era, Matheny avoided major injuries, playing in at least 110 games each season and demonstrating durability that allowed him to catch 3,905.2 total innings with the Cardinals during these years. His resilience was evident in , when he appeared in a career-high 141 games despite the physical demands of the position. Off the field, Matheny emerged as a clubhouse leader and fan favorite in , earning respect for his professionalism and character. Following the sudden death of pitcher in June 2002, Matheny played a key role in rallying the team, offering emotional support and helping maintain focus during a grieving period that saw the Cardinals go 50-28 the rest of the season. Fans appreciated his gritty style and commitment, often highlighting his willingness to block wild pitches and take foul tips, which solidified his status as a beloved figure in Cardinals lore.

San Francisco Giants and retirement (2005–2006)

Following his departure from the St. Louis Cardinals as a , Matheny signed a three-year, $10.5 million contract with the Giants on December 15, 2004. The deal included a club option for 2008 and positioned him as the team's primary , valued for his defensive prowess despite a career below .250. In his first season with the Giants, Matheny appeared in 132 games, batting .242 with 13 home runs and 59 RBIs while maintaining his reputation as an elite defender behind the plate. He set a franchise record for catchers with a .999 , catching 32 percent of base stealers, though the team finished third in the National League West with a 75-87 record. Matheny's 2006 season was cut short by escalating physical issues, beginning with a sustained on May 31 against the Florida Marlins when a foul tip struck his . He appeared in 47 games, batting .231 with 3 home runs and 18 RBI, before being placed on the disabled list. Persistent post-concussion symptoms, including headaches, memory loss, and , prevented his return, and on August 2, the Giants announced he would miss the remainder of the season, leaving his future uncertain. These struggles compounded prior injuries from his Cardinals years, such as multiple concussions that had already begun to affect his durability. On February 1, 2007, at age 36, Matheny announced his retirement, citing the cumulative toll of an estimated 25 to 30 concussions over his career as the primary reason, as his doctor refused medical clearance to play. The decision ended a 13-year major league tenure marked by four Gold Glove Awards but overshadowed by the long-term health risks of his position. Immediately following his retirement, Matheny expressed strong interest in transitioning to , drawing on his playing experience to mentor young players, and he soon explored opportunities within organizations.

Career statistics

Over his 13-season career from 1994 to 2006, Mike Matheny played in 1,285 games, batting .239 with 925 hits, 67 home runs, and 446 runs batted in across 3,877 at-bats. As a , he recorded 7,117 putouts and maintained a .994 , reflecting his reputation for elite defense. Matheny threw out 35.1% of baserunners attempting to steal second base, a career mark that ranked 361st all-time among catchers (minimum 400 attempts); he led National League catchers in in 2000 with 52.7% and finished second in MLB the following year at 48.3%. Advanced metrics underscore Matheny's defensive impact, with a career () of 9.8, placing him 284th all-time among position players and among the top catchers of the and in several evaluations. The following table summarizes Matheny's year-by-year batting and key fielding statistics as a , including (G), at-bats (AB), hits (H), (BA), home runs (HR), RBI, putouts (PO), and caught stealing percentage ().
YearTeamGABHBAHRRBIPOCS%
1994MIL285312.226128126.3
1995MIL8016641.24702126125.0
1996MIL10631364.20484647532.5
1997MIL12332078.24443269734.9
1998MIL10832076.23862757023.6
1999TOR5716335.21531734633.3
2000STL128417109.26164780352.7
2001STL12138183.21874277248.3
2002STL11031577.24433556234.8
2003STL141441111.25284777427.3
2004STL12238595.24755074229.6
2005SFG134443107.242135978438.2
2006SFG4716037.23131825031.4
CareerTOT1,2853,877925.239674467,11735.1

Managerial career

St. Louis Cardinals hiring and early years (2012–2014)

On November 14, 2011, the Cardinals hired Mike Matheny as their 49th manager, succeeding who had retired after leading the team to a title. Matheny, a former Cardinals from 2000 to 2004, had no prior professional coaching or managing experience at the major league level, though he had assisted with youth in the area. The organization valued his leadership qualities and familiarity with the franchise, viewing him as a bridge to maintain the team's competitive culture. In his debut 2012 season, Matheny guided the Cardinals to an 88–74 record, securing the National League Wild Card berth and advancing to the NLCS, where they fell to the Giants in seven games. The team demonstrated resilience in the one-game Wild Card playoff, defeating the 6–3 behind strong starting pitching and timely hitting. During this period, Matheny's pre-managerial "Matheny Manifesto"—a 2009 letter he wrote to parents of a youth team emphasizing effort, fundamentals, and positive attitudes over parental involvement—gained widespread attention and acclaim, aligning with his on-field philosophy of accountability and preparation. The 2013 campaign marked further success, as the Cardinals finished 97–65 to claim the NL Central division title and the National League pennant. They overcame the in a dramatic five-game NLDS, highlighted by a 19th-inning by in Game 4, before defeating the 4–2 in the NLCS. In the , however, they lost to the Boston Red Sox in six games, 4–2. Matheny's emphasis on defensive execution and contributed to the team's league-leading fielding percentage of .988. By 2014, the Cardinals posted a 90–72 record, again winning the NL Central and reaching the NLCS after a 3–1 NLDS victory over the Dodgers. They were eliminated by the Giants in five games, with advancing to the . Key contributors included catcher , who provided elite defensive leadership behind the plate, and pitcher , who won 20 games and anchored the rotation. Matheny's approach prioritized fundamentals, resulting in the team committing the fewest errors in the National League at 65. Over his first three seasons from 2012 to 2014, Matheny compiled a 275–211 record (.566 winning percentage), leading the Cardinals to three consecutive postseason appearances and establishing a foundation built on disciplined defense and core player development.

St. Louis Cardinals later years and dismissal (2015–2018)

In 2015, Matheny's Cardinals achieved their best regular-season performance during his tenure, compiling a 100–62 record to claim the division title for the third consecutive year. Despite this success, the team suffered an early postseason exit, losing 1–3 to the Chicago Cubs in the (NLDS). The Cardinals' strong offensive output and pitching staff, led by aces and Carlos Martinez, had positioned them as favorites, but defensive lapses and the Cubs' momentum proved decisive in the quick elimination. The following seasons marked a noticeable decline, with the Cardinals finishing 86–76 in and 83–79 in , placing second and third in the NL Central, respectively, and missing the both years. Reports emerged of growing internal divisions within the clubhouse, including tensions over player treatment and communication breakdowns under Matheny's . For instance, veteran outfielder felt isolated by Matheny, who was criticized for poor handling of underperforming players, while reliever Bud Norris's disruptive behavior was reportedly enabled rather than addressed. These issues contributed to a fractured team dynamic, with younger players feeling mishandled and a lack of fostering . In 2018, the Cardinals started 47–45 under Matheny, hovering around .500 and fading from contention in the NL Central. On July 14, following an 8–2 loss to the , the team dismissed Matheny, marking the franchise's first midseason managerial change in two decades; bench coach assumed interim duties and led the club to an 88–74 finish, still without a playoff berth. Key factors in the firing included persistent player relations problems, such as Matheny's endorsement of incidents that alienated rookies and his strained interactions with pitchers like Alex Reyes. Additionally, Matheny's resistance to advanced clashed with the front office's data-driven approach, exacerbating tactical errors like suboptimal usage and lineup decisions. Over this four-year span, Matheny's teams posted a 316–262 regular-season record (.547 ), a drop from his earlier success, underscoring the mounting pressures. Following his dismissal, Matheny expressed no resentment toward the organization, stating he "shoulders the blame" for the team's struggles and emphasizing the need for a fresh start. He took a one-year in 2019, stepping away from to reflect and recharge before returning to manage the at the end of that season.

Kansas City Royals tenure (2020–2022)

On October 31, 2019, the Kansas City Royals named Mike Matheny as their 17th manager in franchise history, agreeing to a three-year contract covering 2020 through 2022 with a club option for 2023. The move followed the retirement of Ned Yost after the 2019 season, during which Matheny had served as a special advisor to the organization since November 2018. Royals general manager Dayton Moore highlighted Matheny's prior managerial success with the St. Louis Cardinals as a key factor in the hiring, positioning him to guide a rebuilding effort centered on integrating a young roster featuring prospects like Adalberto Mondesi and Hunter Dozier. Matheny's first season in 2020 was curtailed by the , reducing the schedule to 60 games; the Royals finished with a 26–34 record (), placing fourth in the and missing the expanded . The team showed promise in offense, led by Salvador Perez's .297 and 8 home runs, but struggled with pitching consistency and a 13–17 road record. In , over a full 162-game slate, Kansas City improved slightly to 74–88 (.457), again finishing fourth in the division after a late-season surge that kept them in wild-card contention until September. However, injuries plagued key contributors, including Edward ' season-ending ACL tear in May and Adalberto Mondesi's oblique strain that sidelined him for much of the year, contributing to an inconsistent performance. The 2022 campaign marked a downturn, with the Royals starting 31–62 before rallying somewhat to end at 65–97 (.402), last in the AL Central for the first time since 2018. Pitching woes persisted, as the staff posted a 4.71 , while the offense ranked near the bottom in runs scored amid injuries to Perez, who missed time with a quad strain. On October 5, 2022—immediately after the season finale—the Royals dismissed Matheny, along with pitching coach , as part of a front-office shakeup under new senior vice president J.J. Picollo. Over his tenure, Matheny compiled a 165–219 record (.430) with the Royals, failing to achieve a . Critics pointed to a perceived mismatch between his disciplined, veteran-oriented —rooted in his Cardinals philosophy of and fundamentals—and the required for nurturing the club's inexperienced core, leading to tensions in player development.

Managerial record

Mike Matheny compiled a regular-season managerial record of 756 wins and 693 losses over 1,449 games, yielding a .522 . With the St. Louis Cardinals from 2012 to 2018, he posted 591–474 (.555), while his tenure with the from 2020 to 2022 resulted in 165–219 (.430). In the postseason, Matheny's teams went 19–19 (.500) across 38 games, including one National League pennant in 2013. Matheny's year-by-year regular-season record is summarized below, including team finishes in their respective divisions.
YearTeamWinsLossesWin %Finish
2012St. Louis Cardinals8874.5432nd, NL Central
2013St. Louis Cardinals9765.5991st, NL Central
2014St. Louis Cardinals9072.5561st, NL Central
2015St. Louis Cardinals10062.6171st, NL Central
2016St. Louis Cardinals8676.5312nd, NL Central
2017St. Louis Cardinals8379.5123rd, NL Central
2018St. Louis Cardinals4746.5052nd, NL Central (team finish; Matheny dismissed July 14)
20202634.4334th, AL Central
20217488.4574th, AL Central
20226597.4015th, AL Central
His postseason appearances and series outcomes are detailed in the following table.
YearTeamSeriesResultGames (W-L)
2012St. Louis CardinalsWild Card vs. Won 1–01 (1–0)
2012St. Louis CardinalsNLDS vs. Won 4–15 (4–1)
2012St. Louis CardinalsNLCS vs. San Francisco GiantsLost 3–47 (3–4)
2013St. Louis CardinalsNLDS vs. Won 3–25 (3–2)
2013St. Louis CardinalsNLCS vs. Won 4–26 (4–2)
2013St. Louis CardinalsWorld Series vs. Boston Red SoxLost 2–46 (2–4)
2014St. Louis CardinalsNLDS vs. Lost 1–34 (1–3)
2015St. Louis CardinalsNLDS vs. Chicago CubsLost 1–34 (1–3)
Matheny ranks 63rd in MLB history for career managerial wins and is one of only four managers to lead their team to the in each of their first four seasons, highlighting his early efficiency despite no World Series titles.

Awards and honors

As player

Matheny earned four Gold Glove Awards during his playing career, recognizing him as the premier defensive in the National League for those seasons. He first won the award in 2000 while with the St. Louis Cardinals, followed by victories in 2003 and 2004 with the St. Louis Cardinals, and in 2005 with the San Francisco Giants. The Gold Glove is determined by votes from National League managers and coaches, who evaluate players based on defensive metrics such as fielding percentage, assists, and ability, excluding the voter's own team to ensure impartiality. These honors underscored Matheny's elite defensive impact, including his major league record for a of 1,565 consecutive errorless fielding chances from 2002 to 2005, which highlighted his precision and reliability behind the plate. In addition to his Gold Gloves, Matheny received the Willie Mac Award from the San Francisco Giants in 2005, recognizing the player who best represents the spirit of the franchise. He also garnered team-specific recognition from the Cardinals for his leadership and performance. In 2003, he became the inaugural recipient of the , presented annually by the Cardinals to the player who best exemplifies the spirit, professionalism, and contributions of the late pitcher , combining on-field excellence with clubhouse character. While Matheny was never selected to an MLB as a player, his defensive consistency earned him high regard among peers, including top-10 finishes in All-Star fan voting for NL catchers in multiple seasons, such as 2004. He also garnered minor accolades, such as leading NL catchers in assists with 77 in 2005, further emphasizing his arm strength and control of the running game. Post-career, Matheny's playing achievements have been honored through inductions and discussions of further recognition. He was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2011, celebrated for his four Gold Gloves and record-setting defensive streak as one of the era's top catchers. Matheny became eligible for the Cardinals Hall of Fame in 2019, with analysts noting his pivotal role in the team's 2004 pennant run and his status as the franchise's premier defensive catcher during his tenure, though he has not yet been selected for induction. Statistically, he ranked among NL leaders in caught stealing percentage multiple times, finishing second with 52.7% in 2000 and 48.3% in 2001, contributing to his reputation for thwarting base stealers.

As manager

Matheny's managerial tenure with the St. Louis Cardinals from 2012 to 2018 was marked by significant postseason success, including leading the team to one National League pennant in 2013. In 2013, his Cardinals advanced to the after defeating the in the NLDS and the in the NLCS, though they fell to the Boston Red Sox in six games. The following year, they won the division, defeated the Dodgers in the NLDS, but lost to the Giants in the NLCS. He earned recognition as a finalist for the National League Manager of the Year Award in both 2012 and 2013, reflecting his immediate impact despite lacking prior professional managing experience. In 2012, Matheny guided the Cardinals to a 88-74 record and an NLCS appearance, finishing fifth in BBWAA voting. The next season, after a 97-65 campaign and the pennant, he placed fourth in the voting. In 2015, following a franchise-record 100 wins, he finished second in the voting. Additionally, he was named National League Manager of the Year in 2012 for revitalizing the team post-Albert Pujols' departure. During his time with the from 2020 to 2022, Matheny did not receive major awards but was praised for his role in developing young talent, particularly Bobby Witt Jr. As manager, he oversaw Witt's transition from prospect to everyday player, emphasizing discipline and fundamentals in a shortened 2020 season and beyond, contributing to the infielder's rapid rise as a cornerstone of the franchise. Post-tenure, Matheny has received consideration for induction into the St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame due to his contributions in leading the team to four consecutive playoffs and fostering a culture of accountability. His influence extends beyond on-field achievements through the "Matheny Manifesto," a 2009 letter to parents of his youth baseball team that went viral and shaped modern youth coaching philosophy by prioritizing character development, effort, and parental restraint over winning at all costs. The manifesto has been adapted into a bestselling book and cited in discussions on sports parenting and coaching ethics.

Personal life

Family

Mike Matheny married Kristen Matheny, a former player at the , in 1993 after the couple met as student-athletes on campus. The Mathenys have five children: sons Tate (born February 9, 1994), who was drafted by the Boston Red Sox and played ; Luke (born September 27, 1996), a former college pitcher at and ; Jacob (born December 19, 1997), who played college at the and ; Blaise (born October 6, 2000), an outfielder who competed at ; and daughter Katie (born February 14, 1995), who played at . The family, originally rooted in where Matheny was born, relocated frequently early in his career across teams in , , , and , but primarily settled in the area during his playing and managerial stints with the Cardinals from 2000 to 2018. Matheny's sons followed in his footsteps with involvement in at , high school, , and levels, while the family supported Katie's pursuits in . Following his dismissal from the in 2022, the Mathenys relocated, now dividing their time between homes in and , with occasional visits to . The couple's experiences raising a large, athletic family have shaped their approach to , emphasizing community support for .

Philanthropy

In 2003, Mike Matheny and his wife, Kristin, founded the Foundation, a named after his uniform number and position as a , with the primary mission of supporting disadvantaged children in the area by providing opportunities for personal growth and community involvement, particularly through -related initiatives. The foundation has funded the construction of three s accessible to underprivileged and, in 2005, led the development of the Miracle Field at the Chesterfield Valley Athletic Complex in —a specially designed, disability-friendly diamond for children with physical and cognitive challenges, allowing them to participate in adaptive programs. Following his retirement from playing in 2006, Matheny expanded these efforts with ongoing programs, including the foundation's support for a built-to-scale at Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital in 2022, enabling hospitalized children to engage in recreational activities. During his tenure as manager of the St. Louis Cardinals from 2012 to 2018, Matheny actively supported Cardinals Care, the team's nonprofit arm focused on youth development, by facilitating ticket donations for low-income families and participating in fundraising auctions that raised funds for local nonprofits serving children. He also organized annual youth baseball exchange trips to the Dominican Republic starting in 2011, bringing local St. Louis players to train with and support underprivileged Dominican youth, fostering cultural exchange and skill-building while reversing the trips to host Dominican children at Busch Stadium in 2015. With the Kansas City Royals from 2020 to 2022, Matheny contributed to the Royals Foundation's community outreach, including the 2020 Royals Respond initiative, where players and staff, under his leadership, donated food and resources to combat hunger amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Matheny extended the principles of his widely shared "Matheny Manifesto"—a letter outlining ethical coaching and character development in —into charitable programming by incorporating into team activities, such as baseball clinics for inner-city children and support for the Challenger Division of for players with disabilities. The foundation hosts annual events like the Golf Classic to sustain these programs, with Matheny's family often participating in volunteer efforts to emphasize collective impact on youth development. His philanthropic work through Catch-22 has been recognized for promoting compassion beyond the field, notably in the 2013 Musial Awards for embodying dignity and .

Real estate

Matheny grew up in , near Columbus, where his family home remains located with his parents. During his early professional career with the Milwaukee Brewers from 1994 to 1998, he resided in an apartment in . Upon joining the St. Louis Cardinals in 2000, Matheny constructed a custom 10,000-square-foot, 17-room residence on 11 acres in Wildwood, a western suburb of , during his playing years in the early . The property included seven bedrooms, a pool, a lake, and a . By 2010, amid financial pressures from business ventures, the home was listed for nearly $2.5 million but sold to a private investment firm for $1.9 million in 2011 to help resolve debts, reflecting a decline in value during the post-recession housing market. Matheny's move to manage the from 2020 to 2022 prompted a relocation to the , where he maintained a residence during that period, though details on specific are not publicly documented. In addition to personal residences, Matheny pursued real estate investments in the Midwest to prepare for a post-playing . Partnering with developer Matt Doran and another associate, he acquired and flipped a block of lots in the WingHaven development in St. Charles County, Missouri, around 2005, yielding a $2.4 million profit within six months. Following Doran's departure from the partnership, Matheny and his remaining partner purchased 36 residential lots in Chesterfield Valley for $10.8 million in 2006, intending to develop them; however, the 2008 housing market crash led to foreclosure by U.S. Bank in 2009, with the bank acquiring the foreclosed assets for $4.5 million and pursuing Matheny for a $4.2 million deficiency judgment, which he personally guaranteed using his Wildwood home as collateral. No public records indicate additional rental , flips, or sales by Matheny after 2022. As of 2025, Matheny divides his time between residences in and , with occasional visits to the area for professional and personal activities.

Faith and beliefs

Mike Matheny grew up in a conservative Christian household in , where his parents modeled amid hardships, leading him to initially place his trust in Christ as a young boy. However, during his college years at the , Matheny recommitted to a personal relationship with after a guest speaker at his church challenged attendees to move beyond inherited religion, prompting him to confront his own beliefs and embrace authentically. This deepened commitment became a for enduring the physical toll of his career, including an estimated 25 to 30 concussions that forced his in 2007; he credits his with providing unwavering peace, accountability, and purpose through such trials, viewing it as a constant guide rather than a mere routine. In 2024, Matheny suffered a near-fatal brain hemorrhage, which he has said strengthened his and resilience. Central to Matheny's philosophy is the integration of his Christian into coaching and leadership, most notably in his 2009 "Matheny Manifesto," a widely circulated letter to parents of his youth team that prioritizes character development and integrity over athletic victories. In the manifesto, he explicitly states that his serves as the guiding force for fostering , , and moral toughness, arguing that true success in sports—and life—emerges from emulating Christ's servant-hearted approach rather than chasing wins at any cost. This emphasis on ethical growth over outcomes reflects his belief that builds a foundation for holistic excellence, influencing how he mentors young athletes to compete with intensity while honoring . During his time managing the St. Louis Cardinals from 2012 to 2018, Matheny maintained strong ties to St. Louis-area Christian communities, regularly attending a Tuesday night (FCA) Bible study led by Walt Enoch, the former chaplain for the city's MLB and teams. He also co-founded the Foundation in 2003 with his wife to support underprivileged children through faith-based initiatives like sports camps and mentorship programs, underscoring his commitment to service in the region. These affiliations reinforced his role on FCA boards since the late 1990s and as dean of the FCA's "Boys Weekend of Champions" camp from 1998 to 2006. Matheny has frequently discussed in interviews how his faith shapes his managerial approach, advocating inspired by ' example of humility and sacrifice to cultivate first-class character in players beyond their on-field performance. He incorporates faith-led elements like pre-game prayers, voluntary sessions with up to 20 players, and discussions on and —such as Cardinals' projects—without imposing beliefs, instead creating space for genuine relationships and personal exploration of . This style emphasizes accountability and moral integrity, ensuring decisions align with biblical principles while respecting team diversity. In his 2025 speaking engagements, including at , Matheny described faith as a vital "cheat code" for life, offering a reliable framework to handle adversity and success by prioritizing character and service over external achievements. He stressed the privilege and pressure of living as a Christian , where actions under scrutiny demonstrate faith's transformative power in and personal resilience. His beliefs similarly influence his , guiding the upbringing of his five children with an emphasis on faith-rooted and mutual support.

Post-managerial career

Authorship

Matheny's entry into authorship began with The Matheny Manifesto: A Young Manager's Old-School Views on Success in Sports and Life, published in 2015 by Crown Archetype and co-authored with . The book originated from a 2012 letter Matheny penned to parents of a local youth team he volunteered to coach in , outlining his expectations for parental involvement and emphasizing fundamentals like effort, respect, and humility over mere victory. Expanding on these ideas, the critiques modern culture for prioritizing parental ego and entitlement, instead advocating for coaching that builds lifelong character through discipline and teamwork. It achieved New York Times bestseller status and includes an afterword by MLB broadcaster , who praised Matheny's approach as a timely antidote to overzealous sideline behavior. Matheny's second book, The Dad Coach: How to Lead Kids to Succeed On and Off the Baseball Field, was released on March 25, 2025, also co-authored with Jenkins and published by Crown. This practical guide targets parents and coaches of youth baseball players, offering strategies for teaching skills alongside core values such as resilience, accountability, and community support, with drills and scenarios tailored to ages 8 through 12. Motivated by his experiences raising five athletic children and managing in the majors, Matheny aimed to provide accessible tools for fostering positive development amid growing pressures in amateur sports. The launch featured promotional events in St. Louis, including a ticketed author appearance at the St. Louis County Library's Clark Family Branch on March 28, 2025, and a meet-and-greet at the Rawlings Experience STL on March 29, marking Matheny's return to the city following his managerial tenure with the Cardinals. Both works reflect Matheny's motivation to reform youth athletics by drawing on his playing and background, with the writing process for the first book occurring during a period of reflection after his early managerial years, while the second benefited from his post-2022 Royals dismissal to focus on family and broader outreach. The books have garnered endorsements from MLB figures, including Costas, and have influenced discussions on sports parenting, though specific sales figures beyond recognition remain undisclosed. As of 2025, Matheny has expressed interest in continuing to write on leadership and family dynamics in sports, though no further titles have been announced.

Public speaking

Following his dismissal as manager of the Kansas City Royals in October 2022, Mike Matheny transitioned into a career as a , focusing on themes drawn from his experience and personal life. Represented by agencies such as Athlete Speakers and All American Speakers Bureau, Matheny delivers keynotes on leadership, resilience, and applying athletic principles to business and youth development. His speaking fees typically range from $10,000 to $30,000 per engagement, reflecting his status as a former MLB player and manager with broad appeal to corporate, educational, and athletic audiences. Matheny's presentations often emphasize faith-driven success and what he describes as a "cheat code" for life—prioritizing character, humility, and spiritual grounding amid challenges. He draws on lessons from his playing and managing days to illustrate resilience, such as navigating injuries, retirements, and professional setbacks, adapting these for non-athletic contexts like team-building in organizations or mentoring young people. These talks frequently incorporate elements from his 2025 book The Dad Coach, using it as source material to discuss fatherhood and coaching youth without overemphasizing competition. Notable engagements in 2025 include his appearance as keynote speaker at Christian Day at the Ballpark on July 12, headlining for an audience of sports fans and supporters during a St. Louis Cardinals game, sharing insights on faith and baseball's life lessons; the Delta State University's second annual "Night of Champions" fundraiser on August 8, where he headlined for an audience of sports fans and supporters, sharing insights on leadership and baseball's life lessons to benefit university athletics; the Fall Legacy Builders Breakfast on October 15 in St. Charles, Missouri, focusing on leadership and motivation; the Shiloh Christian School's Equipping the Saints event on October 28, speaking on leaning into leadership and faith; and in late October 2025, at Colorado Christian University's President's Speaker Series, inspiring attendees with messages on faith-driven leadership and character development during a community event that included chapel addresses and discussions. These events, along with others reaching audiences of several hundred, have helped expand his reach, often tying into book promotions that boost attendance and media coverage. Matheny has also extended his public speaking through media platforms in 2025, including podcast appearances on The Art of Fatherhood in March, where he discussed balancing family and career, and Be Worth Following in October, exploring leadership parallels between sports and business. Additionally, he shared reels in July focused on fatherhood themes, such as practical advice for parents in , garnering engagement from followers interested in his motivational content. These digital efforts complement his live engagements, amplifying his message on resilience and personal growth to a wider online audience.

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  39. https://www.retrosimba.com/2012/10/15/why-mike-matheny-ended-his-playing-career-as-a-giant/
  40. https://www.deseret.com/2006/8/3/19966746/giants-matheny-out-for-year/
  41. https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=2751419
  42. https://www.christianpost.com/news/interview-st-louis-cardinals-manager-mike-matheny-on-how-his-christian-faith-influences-his-coaching-style-why-he-only-coaches-a-youth-team-of-orphans.html
  43. https://www.baseball-reference.com/leaders/caught_stealing_perc_career.shtml
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  45. https://www.baseball-reference.com/leaders/WAR_def_career.shtml
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  47. https://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/14/sports/baseball/cardinals-hire-former-catcher-matheny-as-manager.html
  48. https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2011/11/cardinals-name-mike-matheny-manager.html
  49. https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/STL/2012.shtml
  50. https://www.amazon.com/Matheny-Manifesto-Managers-Old-School-Success/dp/055344669X
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  54. https://www.mlb.com/news/cardinals-mike-matheny-focusing-on-basics-c216023664
  55. https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/STL/2015.shtml
  56. https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/STL/2016.shtml
  57. https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/STL/2017.shtml
  58. https://www.si.com/mlb/2018/07/15/cardinals-fire-mike-matheny-tactical-errors-clubhouse
  59. https://www.sbnation.com/2018/7/15/17572872/st-louis-cardinals-fire-mike-matheny-mlb-all-star-break
  60. https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/matheny-firing-doesnt-solve-all-cardinals-problems-but-leaves-them-with-more-questions-to-answer/
  61. https://www.mlb.com/news/cardinals-should-learn-from-matheny-s-tenure-c285976744
  62. https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/24110660/fired-st-louis-cardinals-manager-mike-matheny-holds-no-ill-will
  63. https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/kansas-city-royals-hire-former-cardinals-manager-mike-matheny-as-their-new-skipper/
  64. https://www.mlb.com/news/mike-matheny-to-be-royals-new-manager
  65. https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/27974057/royals-name-mike-matheny-new-manager
  66. https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/KCR/2020.shtml
  67. https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/KCR/2021.shtml
  68. https://www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb/kansas-city-royals/article266886866.html
  69. https://bleedingroyalblue.com/2019/11/03/royals-hire-matheny-as-their-new-manager-and-you-shouldnt-be-happy-about-that/
  70. https://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/manager.php?p=mathemi01
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  72. https://www.baseball-reference.com/managers/index.shtml
  73. https://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/awards.php?p=mathemi01
  74. https://www.mlb.com/awards/gold-glove
  75. https://www.stlpr.org/delete1/2004-11-04/three-cardinals-win-gold-glove-awards
  76. https://www.foundsf.org/Mike_Matheny%2C_Gold_Glove_Catcher
  77. https://mosportshalloffame.com/inductees/mike-matheny/
  78. https://www.scoopswithdannymac.com/bernie-an-appreciation-of-mike-matheny-a-special-st-louis-cardinal-who-shouldnt-be-forgotten/
  79. https://www.mlb.com/news/2013-bbwaa-managers-of-the-year-announced/c-63879932
  80. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1408144-mlb-manager-of-the-year-2012-al-nl-winners-voting-results-and-analysis
  81. https://www.mlb.com/news/cards-mike-matheny-2nd-for-nl-manager-of-year/c-157533286
  82. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2174022/2020/11/02/royals-prospect-bobby-witt-jr-2020-progress-offers-glimpse-of-whats-to-come/
  83. https://www.si.com/mlb/royals/game-day/kc-royals-mike-matheny-on-bobby-witt-jr-s-big-day-vs-min-twins-pretty-fun-to-watch
  84. https://www.npr.org/2015/05/04/404164325/silence-on-the-sidelines-an-mlb-insiders-manifesto-on-youth-sports
  85. https://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/articles/matheny-manifesto.html
  86. https://sportsspectrum.com/table-forty/2021/02/09/new-table-forty-podcast-royals-manager-mike-matheny-wife-kristin/
  87. https://www.milb.com/player/tate-matheny-621469
  88. https://www.thebaseballcube.com/content/player/201178/
  89. https://mutigers.com/sports/baseball/roster/jake-matheny/7228
  90. https://missouristatebears.com/sports/baseball/roster/blaise-matheny/5512
  91. https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/401004/katie-matheny
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  93. https://www.fca.org/fca-in-action1/2014/05/01/mathenys-mission
  94. https://musialawards.com/honorees/mike-matheny/
  95. https://www.chesterfield.mo.us/241/Catch-22-Miracle-Field
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  100. https://sobrief.com/books/the-matheny-manifesto
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  104. https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/stcharles/matheny-lost-his-home-in-legal-fight-with-bank-over-business-debt/article_5c9087aa-c1e7-5fb9-bc25-9f93f8e313c9.html
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  116. https://www.athletespeakers.com/speaker/mike-matheny
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  119. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DL4nNToSqUO/
  120. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0E-ZBCze58
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  122. https://www.mlb.com/press-release/press-release-mike-matheny-josh-wilson-to-headline-2025-christian-day-at-the-ballpark
  123. https://gostatesmen.com/news/2025/5/20/athletic-department-legendary-mlb-catcher-mike-matheny-headlines-second-annual-night-of-champions.aspx
  124. https://legacybuilders.faith/2025-legacy-builders-breakfast-october/
  125. https://www.shilohsaints.org/resources/news/equipping-the-saints-fall-sessions/
  126. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/colorado-christian-university_ccuspeakerseries-activity-7389782845306716161-U56l
  127. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mike-matheny-former-mlb-gold-glove-player-manager-on/id1574388409?i=1000732614883
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