All-Time MLB Players From Louisiana: Terry Mathews

There have been a number of individuals from Lafayette, and the Acadiana area, that have played in Major League Baseball over the years.

Obviously, the entire state of Louisiana has produced even more.

As a matter of fact, 246 people born in the state of Louisiana have appeared in a Major League Baseball game, beginning in 1874, with John Peters of New Orleans, who played 11 years, with the likes of the Chicago White Stockings, Milwaukee Grays, Providence Grays, Buffalo Bisons, and Pittsburgh Alleghenys.

All summer, we’ll preview a player from the state of Louisiana that appeared in Major League baseball, starting with players from Lafayette, before spotlighting players from the Acadiana area, and then a few from the state itself.

Yesterday, we spotlighted Robert Ellis.

Today, we feature Terry Mathews.

Born in Alexandria in 1964, Mathews, a right-handed pitcher, played parts of 8 seasons in Major League Baseball, with the Texas Rangers (1991-1992), Florida Marlins (1994-1996), Baltimore Orioles (1996-1998), and the Kansas City Royals (1999)

Mathews went to Menard High School, and then played his college baseball at ULM, before being selected by the Texas Rangers in the 5th round of the 1987 Major League Baseball Amateur Draft.

The 6-foot-2, 200-pound Mathews made his Major League debut on June 21, 1991, at the age of 26, pitching 0.1 innings scoreless innings against the Chicago White Sox.

Mathews went on to appear in 34 games for the Rangers in 1991, all but two in relief, while going 4-0 with a 3.61 ERA.

1992 saw Mathews slip a little, as his ERA. rose to 5.95. He then spent the 1993 season back in the minors, before returning to the big leagues with the Marlins in 1994.

From 1994-1997, Mathews was a quality middle reliever, never having an ERA. of over 4,52.

Mathews ended his career with the Royals in 1999.

In parts of 8 seasons in Major League Baseball, Mathews appeared in 324 games, including 5 as a starter, going 22-21 with 10 saves and a 4.25 ERA over 421.2 innings of work.