Kinda OT:Former UM player Mike Matheny Cardinals new manager
http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/7230926/st-louis-cardinals-name-mike-…
In a very surprising move, the St. Louis Cardinals name former UM baseball player Mike Matheny as manager. Matheny has no previous managing experience.
It is always good to see alum reach positions of influence on historic teams in sports. It is a true testiment to the Michigan man Matheny must be for them to think this highly of him
November 13th, 2011 at 7:18 PM ^
I thought the Cards would go for someone high profile, good for him
November 13th, 2011 at 7:20 PM ^
....as I thought the Cardinals might go for some more obvious candidates, but congratulations, Mike Matheny. As always, go blue!
November 13th, 2011 at 7:23 PM ^
My freshman year I roomed blind at South Quad in a triple. One of my new roommates brought an electric guitar and amp. He could play Smoke on the Water.
Despite his limited musical ability, he was a cool cat and introduced me to Pat Metheny. As happy as I am for Mike Matheny, it'd be extra cool if the Cards hired Pat Metheny.
November 13th, 2011 at 8:20 PM ^
Song X kicks rectum
November 13th, 2011 at 7:29 PM ^
I'm glad they didn't hire Francona. I'm hoping he takes some time off until Leyland decides to retire.
November 13th, 2011 at 7:32 PM ^
Good man but an even better baseball mind. Home run hire.
November 13th, 2011 at 7:39 PM ^
but man. Hiring a guy with no experience managing at any level seems like a....questionable decision.
November 13th, 2011 at 7:55 PM ^
White Sox won a World Series with Guillen who never was a manager prior to Chicago.
November 13th, 2011 at 8:10 PM ^
and I'd call Guillen an exception
November 13th, 2011 at 8:25 PM ^
It is definitely a risk, but he was a catcher, so he knows how to handle a pitching staff, call a game, and set up defenses. For baseball, it really seems like the manager needs to manage personalities and optimize your players potential than real in game adjustments. In that, a guy who has successfully played in the majors and has energy may actually be a plus.
November 13th, 2011 at 11:37 PM ^
A guy has to get some experience sometime, right?
November 13th, 2011 at 7:43 PM ^
Good for Matheny. Thought Jose Oquendo should have gotten the job.
November 13th, 2011 at 7:53 PM ^
November 13th, 2011 at 8:16 PM ^
Just tell Cueto to keep his cleats away from Matheney's head. He's had a few too many concussions already.
November 13th, 2011 at 8:59 PM ^
November 13th, 2011 at 8:08 PM ^
That's an interesting point, Francona replaces Leyland... Francona got caught with guys who didn't have a hunger to win...No amount of coaching can install that fire.
November 13th, 2011 at 8:26 PM ^
He was always considered to be one of the best defensive catchers in the game and to have a great feel for the game. I say good hire and congratulations!
November 13th, 2011 at 8:37 PM ^
November 13th, 2011 at 8:50 PM ^
Anyone else see Lamont was one of 5 interviewed by the Red Sox?? I was a bit surprised to see that.
November 13th, 2011 at 9:00 PM ^
Hopefully the Red Sox hire him.
November 13th, 2011 at 10:19 PM ^
November 13th, 2011 at 10:35 PM ^
but Steve Howe managed to get 7 chances.
November 14th, 2011 at 2:12 PM ^
I can think of two Michigan alumni who managed in the majors:
* Branch Rickey (LL.B. 1913), managed the St. Louis Browns from 1913-15 and the St. Louis Cardinals from 1919-25.
* Steve Boros (BA 1957) managed the Oakland A's from 1983-84 and the San Diego Padres in 1986.
November 13th, 2011 at 11:30 PM ^
The fuck did Ryne Sandberg do?
November 14th, 2011 at 12:11 AM ^
You may not believe me... but Mike Matheney is from my home church in Columbus. That is right, Columbus. I never knew him, but I am close to his brother; they are a big time UM family - his brother wears a winged helmet hard hat for his construction job. When I played little league baseball in Reynoldsburg, Ohio (his hometown on the east side) in the 90s, his picture was on our league's shirt; he was a big donor to the league. He also offered to allow Reynoldsburg High School to display one of his golden gloves, but they turned down the offer. Mike comes from a great family & I have heard many stories of his great character.
November 14th, 2011 at 12:17 AM ^
that this is the same high school that gave me a Friday Night School for climbing out on the roof when my Spanish Teacher left the room? Talk about an overreaction!
November 14th, 2011 at 12:39 AM ^
RHS was always about over reacting...plus I did ten times worse when my Spanish teacher left the room at that school
November 14th, 2011 at 10:08 AM ^
When I was there and a great guy. Good reputation over the years as has been highlighted and a real feather in the cap for the school. Congrats Mike!
November 14th, 2011 at 11:16 AM ^
The coolest thing I ever saw Mike Matheny do:
He took a fastball to the face that broke his jaw . . . and he didn't even fall down.
GRIT!
November 14th, 2011 at 1:03 PM ^
STL. Good luck Wolverine!!!