Matt Whiteside
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| NA — No. NA | |
| Pitcher | |
| Bats: Right | Throws: Right |
| Major League Baseball debut | |
|---|---|
| August 5, 1992 for the Texas Rangers | |
| Selected MLB statistics (through 2006) |
|
| Wins-losses | 18-15 |
| ERA | 5.23 |
| Strikeouts | 259 |
| Former teams | |
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Matthew Christopher "Whitey" Whiteside (Born August 8, 1967 in Charleston, Missouri) is a baseball pitcher. He graduated from Charleston High School in Charleston, Missouri in 1985, and then he attended Arkansas State University.
Standing at 6'0" and weighing 205 pounds (one source has his weight at 200), this righthander was drafted by the Texas Rangers 661st overall in the 25th round of the 1990 draft. He spent less than three successful seasons in the minors before making his Major League debut on August 5, 1992 at the age of 24. He made his Major League debut against the Oakland Athletics, pitching a perfect inning against them. His first season in the Majors was very successful-in 20 games in relief, he posted a small 1.93 ERA, saving four games.
The rest of his career was not as successful as his rookie season. Between 1993 and 2001, the lowest ERA he had in a season was 4.08, while the highest was 13.91.
After 13 games in the Majors in 2001 with the Atlanta Braves (who picked him up as a free agent), he bounced around in the minors and international baseball until 2005. By that time, he had established himself as a very successful closer in the minors, saving 38 games in 2004 with the Richmond Braves and saving 27 games in 2005 for the Syracuse SkyChiefs. After that impressive showing, he was called up to the Majors for a short two game stint with the Toronto Blue Jays. He did terribly in that short time-in 3 2/3 innings, he gave up eight earned runs (six hits, three home runs, five walks, one hit batter)for an ERA of 19.64.
He spent 2006 with the Indianapolis Indians, posting a 1.69 ERA in 20 games, collecting 10 saves.
[edit] Other information
- Started only one game in his career-only July 20, 1997. He pitched four innings, giving up six hits and five earned runs. Even with that dismal performance, he walked away with a no-decision.
- Was sixth in the league in games appeared in in 1994.
- Statistically related to Manny Aybar, according to Baseball-Reference.com.
- Was teammates with Rusty Greer for seven seasons-longer than any other teammate.
- Has a .000 career batting average (0 for 2 at the plate).
- Has a .912 career fielding percentage.
- Was an International League All-Star in 2004.
- On "May 12, 2001: The Dodgers edge the Braves, 1–0, on Gary Sheffield's 9th inning home run off Matt Whiteside." [1]
- Has worn these numbers: 46 (1992), 27 (1993-1997), 37 (1998), 49 (1999-2000), 48 (2001, 2005)
- Gave up Mark McGwire's eighth home run in his then-record setting 70 home run 1998 season on April 17.
- Lettered in baseball, football and basketball while in high school.
- Threw four shutouts in his senior year of baseball.
- In 1996, he served as a guest judge at the Miss USA Pageant.
- Signed by Jim Dreyer and Doug Gassaway, both scouts for the Rangers.
- Was American South Conference Player of the Year in 1990.
- Graduated from college with a degree in physical education.
- Was suspended for 15 games in 2005 for violating the Minor League Drug and Prevention Treatment Program.
- At last check, Whiteside resides in Charleston, Missouri.
[edit] External links
- Baseball-Reference.com - career statistics and analysis
