| Jon Matlack |
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Matlack played for the New York Mets (1971-1977) and the Texas Rangers (1978-1983). Finishing out his career with a 125-126 record, many thought Matlack's career was overall average, but the two time league leader in Shutout s actually had an above average career, especially with the New York Mets . Matlack won 15 or more games, four times in his career, and won 13 twice more. From 1972 through 1976 , Matlack enjoyed his best years, reaching three All-Star Games (1974, '75, '76). He was Managed by Yogi Berra during this time (except in '76). In his first year, 1972 , Matlack had a very quality season going 15-10 with a 2.32 ERA (4th in the league). Steve Carlton was 1st that year with a 1.97 ERA. Matlack took home the Rookie Of The Year award for 1972. That year, he also gave up Roberto Clemente 's 3000th and final Hit , a Double . The following year, a Marty Perez Line Drive fractured Matlack's Skull . When he returned in 11 days, he was back in form, and later threw a two-hit nine strike out shutout in Game Two of NLCS . After more solid playoff starts, Matlack lost Game Seven for the Mets in the World Series . It would be his only postseason appearance. Matlack shared the All-Star MVP Award in 1975 (with Bill Madlock ) when the National League beat the American League , 6-3. Matlack was sent to Texas in a strange 4-team deal involving a number of players including Bert Blyleven , Al Oliver , and John Milner . Accomplishments with Texas include breaking up George Brett 's 30-game Hitting Streak by holding him hitless on August 19 , 1980 , and earlier that year, matching nine shutout innings with Ron Guidry , before both were removed from the game. The Rangers won the game when Goose Gossage through a Wild Pitch in the 12th inning, allowing Mickey Rivers to score. In 13-year career, he was 125-126 in 361 games. He had almost 100 Complete Game s in his career, ending out at 97, 30 of them Shutout s. He Struck Out 1516 batters in his career, in 2363 Innings Pitched . His final ERA was 3.18 in his career. Matlack retired after being released by the Rangers in October 1983 . He played his final game September 15 of that year. |
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