Gary Matthews Jr.

Former professional baseball player[39]

What is Gary Matthews Jr. known for?

Our honorable alumnus, Gary Nathaniel Matthews Jr., born August 25, 1974, in San Francisco, California, is an American former professional baseball outfielder. Matthews, an esteemed Granada Hills High School graduate, played Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1999 to 2010, showcasing his exceptional talents on many well-known teams.

Matthews kicked off his career with the San Diego Padres in 1999 and over the years played for a variety of MLB teams. These included the Chicago Cubs (2000-2001), Pittsburgh Pirates (2001), New York Mets (2002, 2010), Baltimore Orioles (2002-2003), Texas Rangers (2004-2006), and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (2007-2009).

Throughout his career, Matthews maintained commendable MLB statistics including a batting average of .257, 108 home runs, and 484 runs batted in. He wasn't just a big hitter - he was also well respected for his high jump and dramatic field skills, often thwarting opponents' home runs. This leaping ability led to some of the best baseball catches seen in years, as praised by radio announcer Eric Nadel and sports show 'The Best Damn Sports Show Period'.

Matthews' performance peaked in the 2006 season, which earned him a spot in the MLB All-Star Game that year. This achievement made him and his father the 14th father-son duo to grace the All-Star Game, a proud moment considering his father was a 1973 Rookie of the Year, a 1979 All-Star, and former Philadelphia Phillies broadcaster.

Furthermore, Matthews made headlines on September 13, 2006, when he hit for a natural cycle against the Detroit Tigers. He secured a single for his first hit, a double for his second, a triple for his third, and a home run for his fourth - an achievement few have managed in the sport. It was this fine performance, coupled with 19 home runs and 79 RBIs, that led to the Angels signing him to a 5-year contract, testifying to his undeniable talent within the baseball field.

Outside the US, Matthews has also showcased his skills on the international stage, having played for the Brisbane Bandits of the Australian Baseball League. This broadened experience adds another feather to his cap, underlining his adaptation and impressive performances beyond the home turf.