The Early Years

Mike Matheny played for four different teams during his thirteen years in the major leagues. Drafted out of the University of Michigan, (where he later earned his degree in Sports Management and Communications with a concentration in Spanish.) Matheny played for the Milwaukee Brewers from 1994 to 1998, the Toronto Blue Jays in 1999, and the St. Louis Cardinals from 2000 to 2004. While playing for the Cardinals, Matheny won three Gold Glove Awards (2000, 2003, 2004) and went to the postseason in four of his five years with the team. Signed by the San Francisco Giants to a three-year contract, Matheny won a Gold Glove Award in his first season for the Giants in 2005, while winning the prestigious Willie Mac award for his leadership and character. The only first year Giant in their rich history to win the award.

The Tough Veteran

Considered one of the great defensive players in the Major Leagues over the last several years of his career, he was one of only three other catchers to play 100 games without a single error. His nickname, used by fans and broadcasters alike, was “The Toughest Man Alive,” after taking a 96mph fastball in the face and he played the next day.

The End of Catching

Mike Matheny’s career ended after a series of concussions that would not allow him to return. His style of hard-nosed play, that earned him the respect of his teammates, was ultimately the reason that his baseball career ended. Matheny took his first steps in retirement by speaking to audiences about the dangers of head injuries and helping to develop uniform base line testing that is used in all professional organizations today.

Manager of the St. Louis Cardinals

Matheny returned to the St. Louis Cardinals organization as rookie manager after the team won the 2011 World Series under Tony LaRussa. Mike was greeted with an incredible first season as a manager, taking the young team under his new leadership all the way to the brink of the 2012 World Series.