THE POP EXPOSE Remembering ‘Eddie Mathews’ By Mitchell Smith!
This week I’m turning back the clock and taking a look at Edwin Lee Mathews aka Eddie Mathews. Many people might not know who Eddie is and I am guilty up until this week when I was talking to my boss about the Atlanta Braves loss in game 7 of the NLDS. Eddie was born on October 13, 1931 in Texarkana. His family later moved to California where he played baseball. In 1949 he signed with the Boston Braves. He is the only played to play in Boston, Milwaukee, and Atlanta for the Braves.
Mathews who is considered one of the greatest all time 3rd baseman and was featured on the very first issue of Sports Illustrated magazine. Mathews is a 12 time All-Star, has 2 World Series in 1957 and 1968, and was a 2 time NL home run leader in 1953 and 1959. Later Matthews coached and managed the Braves from 1972-1974. Ty Cobb was quoted saying Mathews had 1 of 3or 4 perfect swings in MLB. His number 41 is retired by the Braves and he was inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Mathews had the pleasure of playing with and managing Hank Aaron. Mathews sits at number 23 for all-time career home runs at 512. He is a name that you don’t hear a lot about but is one of the best all time MLB players. Matthews passed away in 2001, but his mark will still be chased by many kids playing in the majors today. Are you a fan of Eddie Mathews? MAKE THE JUMP to the forums and let us know!
