Eddie Mathews
Inducted:
1978
Stats
6-1, 190lb (185cm, 86kg)
Born
October 13, 1931
Texarkana, Texas, U.S.
Died:
February 18, 2001
La Jolla, California, U.S.
Position:
Third baseman
College:
Santa Barbara High School
Eddie Mathews was a powerful left-handed hitter who became one of the greatest third basemen in baseball history. He played 17 MLB seasons from 1952 through 1968, spending most of his career with the Braves in Boston, Milwaukee and Atlanta. Mathews finished with 2,315 hits, 512 home runs, 1,453 RBI and 1,509 runs while batting .271 with a .885 OPS.
He reached 30 or more home runs in nine consecutive seasons and led the National League in home runs twice. In 1957, he helped the Milwaukee Braves win the World Series, and he later earned another championship with the Detroit Tigers in 1968. Mathews was also a 12-time All-Star and became only the seventh player to reach 500 career home runs.
He remains the only player to represent the Braves in all three of their cities. Mathews was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1978.
Mathews' Awards and Honors
- 12× All-Star (1953, 1955–1961², 1962²)
- 2× World Series champion (1957, 1968)
- 2× NL home run leader (1953, 1959)
- Atlanta Braves No. 41 retired
- Braves Hall of Fame
- American Family Field Walk of Fame
- 500 Home Run Club – Became the seventh player in MLB history
- 9 consecutive seasons with 30+ home runs
- Only player to play for the Braves in Boston, Milwaukee and Atlanta
MLB Teams
Boston / Milwaukee / Atlanta Braves (1952–1966)
Houston Astros (1967)
Detroit Tigers (1967–1968)
Number Worn
41
MLB Stats
Seasons:
17 (1952–1968)
Games:
2,391
At Bats:
8,537
Hits:
2,315
Runs:
1,509
Doubles:
354
Triples:
72
Home Runs:
512
RBI:
1,453
Stolen Bases:
68
Batting Average:
.271