Mike Matheny ready to take on the challenge as St. Louis Cardinals’ manager – MLB News
After formally assuming the charge of the managerial post, the St. Louis Cardinals new manager Mike Matheny stated on Monday, November 14, that he vowed he will give his best to the club.
Considering the fact that a list of experienced managers was interviewed for this dream job, his selection might have been a bit of a surprise. However, Matheny himself thinks otherwise.
He stated that the committee tasked with choosing the new manager had all the description in their mind and assessed if somebody really fit that role. Matheny, if one casts a look at his career, will come across as someone who has the traits to qualify for
the post.
The new manager commented that he felt if he could not do it, he would not go to the interview. "If I didn't think I could do it, I certainly wouldn't have walked into the interview process first," Matheny said. "It's a legitimate question, but I look at
what the traits are that they're looking for.”
William DeWitt, the principle owner and the managing partner of the St. Louis Cardinals, was all praise for Matheny, asserting that the former catcher knew the club well to lead it into a bright future.
"He was a winning player, highly respected by his teammates and by the opposition and throughout baseball," DeWitt said.
Matheny was part of four teams during his professional career as a Major League Baseball player. Having won three Gold Glove Awards, he was essentially known for his association with the St. Louis Cardinals with his familiar No. 22 jersey.
He also was endowed with the Willie Mac Award in 2005 for spirit and leadership. This essentially elevated him to this managerial level despite being faced with more experienced candidates.
Matheny, in his career, had a batting average of .239 with 443 RBIs that he had to his credit and 925 hits. The 41-year-old manager is expected to take the Cardinals to new levels once the teams descend in the ballpark for the 2012 season.
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