Joe Mather

Joseph Paul Mather (born July 23, 1982) is an American former professional baseball utility player. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the St. Louis Cardinals, Atlanta Braves and Chicago Cubs.

Early life

Mather was born on July 23, 1982, in Sandpoint, Idaho. At Mountain Pointe High School in Phoenix, Arizona he played basketball and was also an All-State performer in baseball. He also set the school record for the most RBI and home runs in a career. Mather also earned nicknames such as "Joey Bombs", "Jo-Jo" and Joe Cotton Mather, a reference to the 17th century puritan minister.

Professional playing career

Minor leagues

In 38 games with the Memphis Redbirds before his promotion to the St. Louis Cardinals, Mather hit .315 with 12 home runs, 24 RBI, and slugged .671.

St. Louis Cardinals

On May 30, 2008, Mather was promoted from Triple-A to the Major league club after outfielder Chris Duncan was optioned to Triple-A . On the same day as his call-up, he was in the starting lineup as the right fielder for the Cardinals. He picked up his first major league hit and RBI in the 7th inning, driving in the game-winning run.