Kinda OT:Former UM player Mike Matheny Cardinals new manager

Submitted by coldnjl on

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

acnumber1

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.

 

coldnjl

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. 

 

thereverend

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.

fitty88

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!