Fast Facts

Full Name: Edwin Lee Mathews

Born: October 13, 1931

Died: February 18, 2001

Height: 6’1″

Weight: 190 pounds

Batted: Left

Threw: Right

Position: Third Base

Jersey number: 41 (1952-1966 with Boston Braves, Atlanta Braves, Milwaukee Braves), 11 (1967 with Houston Astros), 7 (1967-1968 with Detroit Tigers)

ACHIEVEMENTS

Played 15 years for the Braves organization. He was the only player to have played for the Braves in Boston, Milwaukee, and Atlanta.

Played with the legendary Hank Aaron. The two combined to be the greatest pair of home run hitters ever. Mathews hit 512 and Aaron hit 755. Their combined total barely edged out the total of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig had set by only 4.

Hit 25 home runs during his rookie season, breaking the rookie record.

Hit at least 30 home runs for each of nine straight years from 1953 to 1960.

During his 17 years, he only hit under 20 home runs 3 times.

Won two National League home run titles (1953 & 1959).

Led the National League in walks four times.

Had a career batting average of .271.

Elected to the Hall of Fame in 1978 as the greatest hitting third baseman of all time.

Featured on the first Sports Illustrated cover on August 16, 1954. He also appeared on the cover of the June 2, 1958 issue and the 40th Anniversary issue on August 16, 1994.