Welcome Back, Mike Matheny

The anticipation and excitement for Spring Training has just gotten bigger.  Former Cardinals catcher, Mike Matheny, will head to Jupiter, Florida, to help instruct for the first two weeks of training camp.  Rick Hummel has the full story.

“This would be a foot in the door,” said Matheny, who has previously expressed an interest in coaching.

Matheny played for the Cardinals from 2000-04.  Not known for his bat, he collected four Gold Gloves during the course of his career, which was cut short by a series of concussions and their after effects.

Cards’ newest multi-millionaire, Yadier Molina, attributes a lot of his defensive success to Matheny.  The two split time behind the plate in ’04.

Cardinal backup Jason Larue said of Molina, “He’s got one of the best arms in the game and has learned how to handle pitchers from watching Mike Matheny.”

Mike helped the Redbirds to four postseason appearances in five years, and was one of the biggest clubhouse leaders during his time in St. Louis.  After the departure of shortstop David Eckstein, Matheny’s old jersey number, 22 is available again.

“I don’t care about that,” said Matheny.  “The one that counts is the logo across the chest.  It’s great to be back.”

It will be great to see him back.  I can’t wait to see Matheny and Molina standing together again with the Birds on the Bat.   To me, this story ranks right up there with the return of Rick Ankiel.  There are very few Cardinals from the recent past that are as respected as Mike Matheny.  Welcome back.