Gary Matthews Biography

Gary Nathaniel Matthews Sr., nicknamed Sarge, is an American former professional baseball left fielder who played 16 seasons in Major League Baseball. After his playing days, Matthews served as a color commentator for Philadelphia Phillies broadcasts. Matthews was selected in the first round of the June 1968 draft by the San Francisco Giants. He began his professional career in 1969 with the Giants' Decatur Commodores (A) affiliate in Decatur, Illinois. In 1973, his first complete season, he won the National League Rookie of the Year award. During his 16-season MLB career from 1972 to 1987, Matthews played for the Giants, Braves, Phillies, Cubs, and Mariners, posting a career batting average of .281. In 1979 with the Braves, Matthews reached the All-Star Game after hitting .304 with 27 home runs and 90 RBIs.