Steven Matz

Steven Matz: biography

Steven Matz is a professional baseball pitcher who currently plays for the St. Louis Cardinals in Major League Baseball (MLB).

Childhood and youth

Steven Matz was born on May 29, 1991, in Stony Brook, New York. He attended Ward Melville High School, where he played both baseball and basketball.

Matz's love for baseball started at a young age. He grew up playing Little League baseball and later played for a travel team called the Long Island Titans. He was known for his powerful arm even as a young player, and his talent quickly became apparent to those around him.

In high school, Matz became a standout pitcher on the baseball team. He was named the 2009 New York Gatorade Player of the Year after posting a 6-1 record with a 0.47 ERA and 81 strikeouts in 45 innings pitched. He also hit .333 with two home runs and 16 RBIs as a senior.

Baseball career

Steven Matz's professional baseball career began in 2009 when he was drafted by the New York Mets in the second round of the MLB draft. After signing with the team, he began his career in the Mets' minor league system, where he quickly made a name for himself as a talented pitcher.

Matz made his major league debut for the Mets in June 2015 and quickly established himself as a reliable starting pitcher. He finished his rookie season with a 4-0 record and a 2.27 ERA in six starts, helping the Mets reach the World Series.

Over the next several seasons, Matz continued to pitch well for the Mets, posting solid numbers despite some injury setbacks. He finished his Mets career with a 31-41 record and a 4.35 ERA in 112 games (106 starts).

In January 2021, Matz was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for three players. He pitched one season for the Blue Jays, posting an 11-8 record with a 3.82 ERA in 30 starts.

In November 2021, Matz was traded again, this time to the St. Louis Cardinals.

Throughout his career, Matz has been known for his ability to induce ground balls and limit hard contact, as well as his solid overall pitching repertoire.

Personal life

Matz and his wife, Taylor Cain, got married in December 2017 in a ceremony held in California. The couple met in 2015, when Matz was still playing in the minor leagues, and began dating soon after. Taylor gave birth to their first child in August, 2022.

In his free time, Matz enjoys hunting and fishing, as well as spending time with his family. He has also been involved in various charitable endeavors throughout his career, including working with the New York Mets Foundation and participating in community service events in both New York and Toronto.

Overall, Matz is known for being a dedicated family man and athlete, as well as an advocate for mental health and charitable causes.

Achievements and accomplishments

• New York Gatorade Player of the Year (2009)
• MLB debut with the New York Mets (2015)
• Helped the Mets reach the World Series in 2015
• Pitched a complete game shutout against the Padres in 2016
• Named the Mets' 2019 nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award, which recognizes players for their philanthropic efforts
• Traded to the Toronto Blue Jays in 2021, where he posted a solid 11-8 record with a 3.82 ERA in 30 starts
• Traded to the St. Louis Cardinals in 2021, where he is expected to join the starting rotation for the 2022 season
• Known for his ability to induce ground balls and limit hard contact, as well as his solid overall pitching repertoire
• Has been open about his struggles with anxiety and mental health, and has worked to raise awareness about these issues and advocate for seeking help and taking care of one's mental health
• Has been involved in various charitable endeavors throughout his career, including working with the New York Mets Foundation and participating in community service events.