Eddie Mathews

Date of Birth: October 13, 1931

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: February 18, 2001

Biography

Eddie Mathews, born Edwin Lee Mathews, was an American professional baseball player who is widely regarded as one of the greatest third basemen in Major League Baseball (MLB) history. He was born on October 13, 1931, in Texarkana, Texas. Mathews’ illustrious career spanned from 1952 to 1968, during which he played primarily for the Boston/Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves and briefly for the Houston Astros and Detroit Tigers. Mathews made his MLB debut with the Boston Braves in 1952 and quickly established himself as a powerful hitter and exceptional fielder. In his 17-year career, he hit 512 home runs, a record for third basemen at the time, and was selected to 12 All-Star Games. Eddie was a key player in the Braves’ 1957 World Series championship and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1978. After retiring as a player, Mathews transitioned into coaching and management, serving as a coach for several MLB teams and a brief stint as the manager of the Atlanta Braves in the 1970s. He passed away on February 18, 2001, leaving behind a legacy as one of baseball’s all-time greats.

5 Interesting Facts about Eddie Mathews

1. Eddie Mathews is the only player to have played for the Braves in all three cities they called home: Boston, Milwaukee, and Atlanta.

2. He appeared on the cover of the first issue of Sports Illustrated in 1954.

3. Mathews was the first third baseman in MLB history to hit 500 home runs.

4. He was a 12-time All-Star and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1978.

5. Mathews was named to the MLB All-Century Team in 1999.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Eddie Mathews

1. “I’m just a ballplayer with one ambition, and that is to give all I’ve got to help my ball club win.”

2. “Hitting is fifty percent above the shoulders.”

3. “You can shake a dozen glove men out of a tree, but the bat separates the men from the boys.”

4. “I always tried to do the best. I knew I couldn’t always be the best, but I tried to be.”

5. “It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Eddie Mathews’ net worth was estimated to be around $2 million, a significant amount for a baseball player during his era.

Children

Eddie Mathews had three children: Eddie Jr., Stephanie, and John. His children remember him not only as a legendary baseball player but also as a dedicated father.