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Introduction
Matty Alou was a talented Major League Baseball (MLB) player who made significant contributions to the sport during his career. Known for his exceptional hitting ability and speed, Matty was part of the famous Alou brother’s trio, which included Felipe and Jesús Alou. This article will dive into Matty Alou cause of death, his personal life, career, achievements, and much more.
Early life and Baseball Career
Matty Alou was born in Haina, Dominican Republic, on December 22, 1938died. He grew up in a baseball-loving family in the Dominican Republic. The Alou family was deeply rooted in the sport, with all three brothers eventually making it to the MLB. Matty’s passion for baseball was evident from a young age, and he worked tirelessly to hone his skills, eventually earning a spot in professional baseball.
Early Career
Matty Alou began his professional baseball career when he signed with the New York Giants in 1957. He made his MLB debut in 1960, but it wasn’t until a few years later that he started to make a significant impact. Early in his career, Matty struggled with consistency at the plate, and he was often overshadowed by his older brother, Felipe.
Breakthrough with the Pittsburgh Pirates
Matty’s career took a dramatic turn when he was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1965. Under the guidance of Pirates’ hitting coach, Harry Walker, Matty developed a new batting style emphasizing contact-hitting and utilizing his speed. This change led to a breakthrough season in 1966 when Matty won the National League batting title with a .342 average, establishing himself as one of the premier hitters in baseball.
During his time with the Pirates, Matty Alou became known for his ability to hit for average, consistently ranking among the league’s top hitters. His ability to make contact and get on base was complemented by his speed, which made him a valuable asset on the basepaths. Matty was selected to two All-Star games (1968, 1969) and played a key role in the Pirates’ success during the late 1960s.
Later Career
After his peak years with the Pirates, Matty played for several other teams, including the St. Louis Cardinals, Oakland Athletics, New York Yankees, and San Diego Padres. Although his performance declined somewhat in his later years, Matty remained a reliable player until he retired from MLB in 1974 at age 35.
Achievements
Several notable achievements marked Matty Alou’s career:
- National League Batting Title (1966): Matty’s .342 batting average led the National League, marking the pinnacle of his career.
- Two-Time All-Star: His consistent performance earned him All-Star selections in 1968 and 1969.
- World Series Champion: Matty was part of the Oakland Athletics team that won the World Series in 1972, adding a championship to his list of accomplishments.
- Lifetime Batting Average: Matty finished his career with a .307 lifetime batting average, a testament to his exceptional hitting ability.
Physical Appearance
Here are some of the details about the great player Matty Alou:
- Age: 72 years (As of 2011)
- Height: 5 feet, 9 inches
- Weight: 72 kg (160 pounds)
Matty had a distinctive look with his curly black hair, often seen peeking out from under his baseball cap. His facial features were sharp, with a determined expression. Matty’s smaller stature contributed to his quickness. His speed was one of his key assets, particularly when it came to running the bases and covering ground in the outfield. Overall, Matty Alou’s physical appearance perfectly matched his playing style—agile, quick, and precise.
Personal Life
He married Maria Terisa and had three children: Mateo Jr., Teresa, and Matias, as well as four grandchildren. On October 27, Alou and his wife celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary. He had five siblings: brothers Felipe, Jesus, Jose, and sisters Zula and Virginia.
Matty Alou’s Net Worth
Working under different teams, Matty Alou’s salary records are as follows:
- With Oakland Athletics: $100,000.
- With New York Yankees: $70,000
- With San Diego Padre: $70,000
Matty Alou’s net worth was estimated to be around $1 million as of his death. He made this wealth from his 15 seasons of baseball career and, after retirement, with coaching and other activities.
Matty Alou Cause of Death
Matty Alou died on November 3, 2011, at 72. The cause of death was complications from diabetes, a condition he had battled for several years. In the years leading up to his death, Matty faced various health challenges related to diabetes, which ultimately led to his passing in his native Dominican Republic.
Some Interesting Facts
Here are some interesting facts about Matty Alou:
- The three Alou brothers batted in the same half-inning on September 10, 1963, making baseball history unique.
- Five days later, they participated in the outfield for the first all-brother lineup in big-league history.
- Matty was the starting center fielder for the National League in the 1969 All-Star Game.
- Matty had a nephew, Moises Alou, the son of Felipe Alou.
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Conclusion
Matty Alou’s career in Major League Baseball is a testament to his talent, perseverance, and love for the game. From his early struggles to his rise as one of the league’s best hitters, Matty’s journey is one of determination and success. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of baseball players, particularly those from the Dominican Republic, and his name remains etched in the annals of baseball history.
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FAQs
He played for 6 teams: the San Francisco Giants, Pittsburgh Pirates, Oakland Athletics, San Diego Padres, St. Louis Cardinals, and New York Yankees.
Matty died of diabetes complications. He also faced several other health issues in his later years.
He retired at the age of 35 in 1974.
