This may not last. Then again, there were doubters that Christianity wouldn't last. But, now, two thousand years later, its alive and kicking.
OK, OK. Gary Matthews Jr. isn't Jesus Christ. Maybe a modern day Siddhartha Gautama. Either way, his recent exploits for his 7th team, the Texas Rangers, have been down right heavenly.
So, its about time, I feel, to honor this demi-god, not to be confused with the other Gary Matthews, speaker of the Montana House of Representatives. Its time to pay tribute to a man who glides about the spacious greens of centerfields across the country. Time to pay tribute to a man who swings gracefully with a bat packing the punch of telephone pole. Time to pay tribute to a man who has decided that is in the best interest of his team if he only made one out a game. Time to pay tribute to a gentleman. A squire, and a scholar.
His journey en route to become the ball player young utility men across the country strive to be and the scholar we know now as Gary Nathaniel Matthews Jr started at Mission College in Santa Clara, California. This may have only been a community college, but that's how Gary wanted it.
"I wanted to incorporate my community into my college experience. Sure, it would only be two years. But I knew I would make the most of those years. And, I figured, I had a strange suspicion that I would get chosen in the 13th round. I wasn't sure by who, but I had the round right as it turns out."
Wise words, from a wise man.
Keep in mind folks, this is only the beginning of the journey. The team that would wind up selecting Mr. Sarge Jr. was the San Diego Padres. Obviously, they were befuddled and surprised that a eight tool talent such as Matthews Jr. had mysteriously fell to the 13th round. Forget the obvious running, throwing, hitting for power and average, and fielding skills. Matthews also brought intelligence, pimp game, and a fine culinary palet to the table.
After what his critics would term as an unsuccesful tour with the Fathers (.222 BA, 0 HRs, 7 RBI's), he was traded straight up for Rodney Myers to the Cubbies. Yes, the same Myers with a career record of 7 and 5. What a deal for the Cubs, right?
Well, suffice it to say that it didn't work out with the Cubs, either. Over 2 seasons and 186 games, he hit a sizzling .207. So, he next went to the waiver wire. Once thought of as a career dead end for players, Matthews looked at his new ambiguous situation as a springboard for his career.
"Yeah, I was psyched to get away from the Cubs. Great fans, but the team just couldn't win. I mean, I'm only one man. What did they want from me? I mean, come on. I guess I could have, possibly have, hit over .210. But, let's be fair here..."
Once again, honest words from an honest man.
So, the Pittsburgh Pirates were the next team on the Wheel of Gary Matthews' Career. That didn't work. Then the Mets "purchased" him from the Pirates. 2 games later, that didn't work out either. Next, the Orioles. Desperate for a centerfielder to fill the void that Brady Anderson would left vacant, the tried out Matthews Jr. Apparently, they wanted to go in the direction of Chris Singleton. Different strokes for different strokes, as the saying goes.
Waivers came and went once again. And then again. Matthews ventured from Baltimore to San Diego to Atlanta.
Then came the best date, April 8, 2004. 2:19 (in the P.M.) is when Gary signed with the Texas Rangers. Obviously pleased with something deep inside Gary, they inked a deal worth over 1 million dollars per season. That total represents nearly his previous two contracts.
So finally, this caged bird has been given a chance to spread its wings. To flex its muscles and devour its prey. To open its eyes each day to the beautiful sun and say "Thank You".
Still, the sun gods aren't very pleased with Gary. One might tend to look at his stellar .344 average and assume he hits well no matter what the time of day, temperature, opponent, or giveaway at the stadium. However, during the day. Matthews hits a career resembling .246. At night, he turns into the masked avenger. Saving children from the dangers of drugs and drinking all with one swing of the bat. Regular, law abiding citizen by day, Dark Night and feared superhero by dusk, Gary hits over .370 when the lights go on.
So, next time you are contemplating a switch in faiths, or simply looking for someone to belive in, to put your faith in, to store your dreams and bottle up your suppressed fears in, look no further than one man. The San Francisco Treat, The Texas Two-Step, Mr. 400, Baby Sarge himself, Gary Matthews Jr.
We here at Blogger wish you continued success for whatever independent league team you choose to play for next season.
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