TTM Stats
- Sent: 7/5/2022 | Received: 7/22/2022 | 36 Days
- ’18 Topps, ’18 Topps Heritage, ’18 Topps Update
- Address: Kansas City Monarchs Team Address
The Story of the Autograph
Matt Adams, affectionately known as “Big City,” carved out a memorable 10-year major league career marked by clutch performances, perseverance, and a deep love for the game. From his humble beginnings in Pennsylvania to becoming a World Series champion, Adams’s journey is a testament to dedication and resilience.
Born on August 31, 1988, in Philipsburg, Pennsylvania, Adams showcased his baseball prowess early on. After graduating from Philipsburg-Osceola High School, he attended Slippery Rock University, where he left an indelible mark. Over three seasons, Adams posted a remarkable .473 batting average, with 27 home runs and 148 RBIs in 137 games. His stellar performance earned him the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association’s Division II National Player of the Year honors in 2009.
Selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 23rd round of the 2009 MLB Draft, Adams quickly ascended through the minor league ranks. In 2011, while playing for the Double-A Springfield Cardinals, he was named the Texas League MVP and the Cardinals Minor League Player of the Year, boasting a .300 batting average with 32 home runs and 101 RBIs.
Adams made his MLB debut with the Cardinals on May 20, 2012, and soon became a fan favorite for his power-hitting capabilities. One of his most iconic moments came during the 2014 National League Division Series when he hit a game-winning home run off Clayton Kershaw, propelling the Cardinals to victory.
Throughout his MLB tenure, Adams played for several teams:
- St. Louis Cardinals: 2012–2017, 2018
- Atlanta Braves: 2017, 2020
- Washington Nationals: 2018–2019
- Colorado Rockies: 2021
Notably, he was part of the Nationals’ 2019 World Series-winning team, contributing to their championship run. Over his MLB career, Adams compiled a .258 batting average, with 118 home runs and 399 RBIs in 856 games.
After his major league stint, Adams continued playing in independent and international leagues, including the Kansas City Monarchs and Mexico’s Toros de Tijuana. In September 2024, he announced his retirement from professional baseball, signing a ceremonial one-day contract to retire as a member of the St. Louis Cardinals—a gesture honoring the team where his MLB journey began.
Reflecting on his career, Adams expressed gratitude for the relationships he built and the experiences he garnered, stating, “The friendships and relationships I have built in this game will stay with me for a lifetime.”
Adams’s passion for baseball endures beyond his playing days. In January 2025, he embarked on a new chapter as the bench coach for the Triple-A El Paso Chihuahuas, the San Diego Padres’ affiliate. In this role, Adams aims to mentor young players, sharing his wealth of experience and insights to guide the next generation of talent.
Matt Adams’s journey from a small-town athlete to a World Series champion and mentor underscores the impact of perseverance, adaptability, and passion. His legacy continues to inspire aspiring players and fans alike.
The Score on Matt Adams – 7.0
Matt has a solid signature, but the best part about it is that it’s pretty big. He puts a good amount of ink on your cards and with that thick marker it really works too. The Heritage continue to show that they are awesome with an autograph on them. The one thing that I wish is that I had a card of him in a Cardinals uniform.
Thanks Mr. Adams! I’m giving this return a 7 overall.
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Information gathered using Wikipedia and Baseball Reference.