Gary Matthews, Jr.

Gary Nathaniel Matthews, Jr. (born August 25, 1974 in San Francisco, California) is an outfielder who is currently a free agent. Matthews is the son of Philadelphia Phillies broadcaster Gary Matthews, who played 16 years in the majors as an outfielder. Matthews, Jr. is a switch hitter.

Career

Early career

Matthews began his career with the San Diego Padres in and has also played for the Brisbane Bandits of the Australian Baseball League, Chicago Cubs, Pittsburgh Pirates, New York Mets, Baltimore Orioles, Texas Rangers, and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

2006 season

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, was so outstanding, Lamb himself applauded after the play was over. 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...
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