History of Steven Matz in Timeline

Steven Matz is a professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the St. Louis Cardinals in MLB. Drafted by the New York Mets out of Ward Melville High School in 2009, Matz has also played for the Mets and the Toronto Blue Jays. He was born and raised on Long Island.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1914: Seventh Pitcher Since 1914

In 1914, Matz was the seventh pitcher since 1914 with three or more hits in his first game.

1920: Rookie Since 1920

In 1920, Matz allowed two runs or fewer in every game over that span, the best streak in the majors in that time period, and he was only the fifth MLB rookie since 1920 to have such a long streak.

1981: Since Ray Searage

In 1981, Matz was the first Long Island high school pitcher to make his MLB debut with the Mets since Ray Searage.

1990: First Since Dwight Gooden

In 1990, Matz was the first Mets pitcher since Dwight Gooden to have four RBI in any game.

May 29, 1991: Steven Matz Born

On May 29, 1991, Steven Jakob Matz was born. He is an American professional baseball pitcher.

Others born on this day/year

2001: First Pitcher Since Jason Jennings

In 2001, Matz was the first pitcher since Jason Jennings of the Colorado Rockies to record three or more hits in his first game.

2008: Drew Attention From Scouts

In 2008, Steven Matz first drew attention from New York Mets scouts during a baseball showcase tournament.

April 16, 2009: Notable High School Game

On April 16, 2009, Matz pitched in a notable high school game against Marcus Stroman, attended by over 50 MLB scouts.

2009: Drafted by the New York Mets

In 2009, Matz was drafted by the New York Mets in the second round of the MLB draft.

May 18, 2010: Tommy John Surgery

On May 18, 2010, Steven Matz underwent Tommy John surgery to repair a tear in his ulnar collateral ligament.

2011: Third Mets Player

In 2011, Justin Turner was third Mets player to receive that distinction, along with Justin Turner in 2011 and Jacob deGrom in 2014. Matz was also considered a contender for National League Rookie of the Year.

2012: Professional Debut

In 2012, Steven Matz made his professional debut after recovering from Tommy John surgery.

September 6, 2013: Pitched Shutout Innings

On September 6, 2013, Matz pitched seven shutout innings against the Augusta Greenjackets.

November 20, 2013: Added to 40-man Roster

On November 20, 2013, the Mets added Steven Matz to their 40-man roster.

2014: Named National League Rookie

In 2014, Matz was named National League Rookie along with Jacob deGrom in 2014. Matz was also considered a contender for National League Rookie of the Year.

2014: Mets' Organizational Pitcher of the Year

In 2014, Steven Matz was named the Mets' Organizational Pitcher of the Year.

2014: Scouting Report on Pitching Mechanics

In 2014, a scouting report praised Matz's pitching mechanics, noting his smooth movements, strong front side pitching, quick arm movements, and good repetition. The report highlighted that if his change-up developed, he would have three pitches to use at any time, with his fastball being well-positioned on the outer half of the strike zone and his curveball having a tight, sharp break.

June 28, 2015: MLB Debut

On June 28, 2015, Steven Matz debuted against the Cincinnati Reds, recording three hits and four RBIs.

November 2015: Taylor Cain's Illness

In November 2015, Taylor Cain, Steven Matz's future wife, became seriously ill with potentially fatal kidney problems but recovered.

2015: Experience With Mets

In 2015, Despite his experience with the Mets in 2015, Matz was still considered a rookie player in 2016 due to the amount of time he missed the previous year.

2015: Postseason Games

In 2015, Matz played in three postseason games, including Game 4 of the World Series.

2015: Played for Las Vegas 51s

In 2015, Steven Matz played for the Las Vegas 51s, achieving the best ERA in the Pacific Coast League.

2015: Called Up To New York Mets

In 2015, Steven Matz was called up to the New York Mets.

2015: Charity Excursion to Honduras

In late 2015, Steven Matz and Taylor Cain traveled to Honduras to assist impoverished children through the Hearts 2 Honduras foundation.

April 2016: Tru 32 Charity Initiative Launch

In April 2016, Steven Matz initiated the Tru 32 charity, honoring first responders from the New York City Fire Department, New York City Police Department, and U.S. Military by inviting them to Mets games for free.

November 12, 2016: Engagement to Taylor Cain

On November 12, 2016, Steven Matz proposed to Taylor Cain at a friend's house in Yaphank, New York, on a dock overlooking a pond he cherished.

2016: First Winning Record Since 2016

In 2016, Matz finished with an 11-10 record, his first winning record since 2016.

2016: Led Rookie Pitchers

In 2016, Matz led all rookie pitchers in wins, ERA, and strikeouts through May.

2016: Made Mets' Opening Day Roster

In 2016, Steven Matz made the Mets' opening day roster and was named National League Rookie of the Month for May.

2016: Season-Ending Injury

In 2016, Steven Matz was shut down for the season due to a left shoulder impingement and had surgery to remove bone spurs, and placed in a three-way tie for sixth place with Jon Gray and Seung-hwan Oh.

June 28, 2017: First Win Since June 28, 2017

On June 28, 2017, Steven Matz notched a victory against the Milwaukee Brewers. It was his first recorded win since June 28, 2017, which ended a streak of seven consecutive losses and 11 starts with either a loss or no-decision.

July 3, 2017: First Start With No Runs Since July 3, 2017

Steven Matz allowed no runs in a 5–0 win against the Milwaukee Brewers on May 24, his first start with no runs since July 3, 2017.

December 9, 2017: Marriage to Taylor Cain

On December 9, 2017, Steven Matz married Taylor Cain in Nauvoo, Alabama, with fellow Mets players Jacob deGrom and Brandon Nimmo in the wedding party.

2017: Injury-Shortened Season

In 2017, Matz battled injuries, making just 13 starts and ending the season with surgery.

2017: Man of the Year Award Nomination

In 2017, Steven Matz was nominated for the Major League Baseball Players Association's Man of the Year Award and was the New York Mets' Marvin Miller Man of the Year nominee due to his charitable efforts.

May 2018: Participation in Viscardi Center's Celebrity Sports Night

In May 2018, Steven Matz participated in The Viscardi Center's Celebrity Sports Night to raise funds for the organization that provides schools and training for children and adults with severe physical disabilities.

September 13, 2018: First Career Home Run

On September 13, 2018, Steven Matz hit his first career home run against the Miami Marlins pitcher Sandy Alcántara. It was the first home run by a Mets pitcher in 2018.

2018: First 30-Start Season

In 2018, Matz played his first 30-start season, recording a 5-11 record with a 3.97 ERA.

January 11, 2019: One-Year Contract with Mets

On January 11, 2019, Steven Matz and the Mets agreed to a one-year contract worth $2.625 million, avoiding salary arbitration and raising Matz's salary more than four times his previous season.

2019: Pitching Position Adjustment

During the 2019 season, Matz adjusted his pitching position, moving from the first base side of the mound to the middle, resulting in improved comfort and performance.

2019: First Winning Record Since 2016

In 2019, Matz finished with an 11-10 record, his first winning record since 2016.

2019: Pitching Repertoire Changes

In 2019, Steven Matz primarily used a sinking fastball averaging 94 mph and a changeup averaging 85 mph, while also incorporating a curveball at 79 mph and a slider at 90 mph.