Matt Alexander – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Matt Alexander carved out one of baseball’s most unusual careers. He played nine seasons in the major leagues but took fewer than 200 plate appearances.

People called him “Matt the Scat” for a reason. He became baseball’s most successful pinch-running specialist, showing up in 374 games but stepping to the plate only 195 times between 1973 and 1981.

Born in Shreveport, Louisiana, Alexander turned his blazing speed into a role that helped three different teams compete at the top level. His journey took him from the Chicago Cubs to the Oakland Athletics, and then to the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he played a big part in their championship run.

He showed how specialized skills can create real value in pro sports. Alexander’s story follows his early days, his time in the minors, and how he became a strategic weapon that managers counted on in the most critical moments, including the World Series.

Early Life and Baseball Beginnings

Matt Alexander was born on January 30, 1947, in Shreveport, Louisiana. He fell in love with baseball early on.

His journey from a young boy swinging sticks in the backyard to a professional baseball player started in a segregated Louisiana neighborhood.

Childhood and Family Background

Matthew Alexander Jr. came into the world as the youngest of four kids in Shreveport. His siblings included older brother Lloyd Joiner, sister Barbara McMillian, and half-sister Mathis Lee Robinson.

His dad, Matthew Sr., worked as a cement finisher. His mom, Gertrude Wooten Alexander, took on jobs in private homes to help the family get by.

People called young Matt “Sonny.” He found his passion for baseball at age four. “I always loved the game from childhood,” he said years later. “I was swinging a stick or bat from the time I was 4 years old.”

Life for the Alexanders was shaped by segregation. Matt’s stepfather took him to Shreveport Sports games on weekends, but as African-Americans, they had to enter through a side entrance at Texas League Park.

Growing Up in Shreveport

Alexander’s childhood in Shreveport revolved around baseball and community games. He and his friends played a simple version called “straight base”—just home plate and one base in a line.

They played downtown on Sundays, turning the city into their field. These games sharpened his speed and instincts.

In 1957, when Alexander was 10, the local African-American community boycotted the Shreveport Sports. They protested Louisiana’s ban on interracial sports and the team owner’s claim that no black player would ever join his team.

The boycott worked. Peters sold the team. Matt maybe didn’t grasp the full meaning at the time, but he remembered Peters’ words. “I had a vision that one day I’d play at that field,” Alexander said, “and I did, with Midland in 1972. It was a dream come true.”

High School and College Baseball Experience

At Bethune High School in Shreveport, Alexander excelled in several sports. He made the all-city basketball team as a quick guard, averaging 14 points and leading as captain.

He also played football as a running back and quarterback. But his size held him back a bit.

Baseball became his main focus. He pitched for the team. “I always had a strong arm,” he said. Bethune won the Louisiana State AAA championship in his senior year, with Alexander pitching two crucial playoff wins.

He once faced future Oakland teammate Vida Blue in a high school playoff. Alexander’s team won that matchup.

His high school success earned him a scholarship to Grambling State University, a historically black school about 65 miles from Shreveport. “It was down the road and I could come home weekends,” he said.

At Grambling, Alexander played for coach Ralph Waldo Emerson “Prez” Jones, who built the school’s baseball program over 51 years. Jones played a big role in shaping Alexander as a player and person.

Alexander switched from pitching to playing infield under Jones. He made the Southwest Athletic Conference all-conference team twice, hitting .377 in both 1967 and 1968.

Path to the Major Leagues

Matt Alexander’s road to pro baseball started in Shreveport, Louisiana. The Chicago Cubs picked him in the second round of the 1968 amateur draft.

Military service interrupted his development, but he still found success in the minors and on international teams.

Draft and Minor League Development

The Chicago Cubs drafted Alexander on June 7, 1968, after his junior year at Grambling State. Scout Buck O’Neil pushed for him after Alexander hit .377 two years in a row.

Alexander negotiated his signing bonus up from $20,000 to $25,000. Scouts worried about his arm after an injury slowed his velocity, so talks dragged on for a bit.

He started his pro career with the Caldwell Cubs in the Pioneer League. Alexander hit .261 with one home run and 10 RBIs, making the league’s All-Star team at second base.

In 1969, he moved up to the Class-A Quincy Cubs in the Midwest League. He batted .274 with 8 home runs and 32 RBIs, then jumped to Double-A San Antonio and hit .303.

Impact of Military Service on Career

After leaving college, Alexander’s draft status changed to 1A, and he got called for military service. Cubs scout George Freese helped arrange for him to join the Navy instead of the Army.

Alexander spent 1970 and 1971 with the Hawaii SubPac Raiders at Pearl Harbor. The team traveled far, even facing the Alaska Goldpanners in Fairbanks.

He admitted the service slowed his career, but he appreciated what he learned. “It slowed me down, I was going at a good pace,” Alexander said. “But I look back and I’m glad. I matured as a man and got to travel.”

The two-year break interrupted his climb through the Cubs’ farm system. Before the Navy, he was moving up quickly.

Notable Minor League Achievements

After his discharge, Alexander went to the 1971 Arizona Instructional League. He made the final cuts at Chicago’s 1972 spring training.

He played that season for the Midland Cubs, batting .270 with 5 home runs and 45 RBIs.

Alexander played winter ball in Mexico for Ciudad Obregón in La Liga Mexicana del Pacífico. Manager Dave García picked him after seeing his stolen base stats in the Texas League.

The Yaquis won the league championship and played in the Caribbean Series in Venezuela. Alexander got 6 hits in 27 at-bats during the tournament.

At Triple-A Wichita in 1973, Alexander hit .309 with 2 home runs and 51 RBIs. That strong year earned him his first major league call-up to Chicago on August 23, 1973, at 26 years old.

Major League Baseball Career Overview

Matt Alexander played nine seasons in Major League Baseball from 1973 to 1981. He established himself as a utility player and pinch-running specialist.

He suited up for three teams: the Chicago Cubs, Oakland Athletics, and Pittsburgh Pirates.

Debut with Chicago Cubs

Matt Alexander made his major league debut on August 23, 1973, with the Chicago Cubs at 26. The Cubs had drafted him in the second round of the 1968 MLB June Amateur Draft from Grambling State.

He spent his first two seasons with Chicago, from 1973 to 1974. He served as a utility player during that time, picking up valuable experience.

His time with the Cubs gave him the foundation for his career. The team let him develop his skills at several positions.

Years with Oakland Athletics

The Oakland Athletics picked up Alexander in 1975. He played three seasons with them, from 1975 through 1977.

Oakland became the place where Alexander really started to stand out as a pinch-running specialist. Manager Chuck Tanner used Alexander’s speed and base-running skills to full effect.

His main job with the A’s was to steal bases and move runners along. That specialty shaped the rest of his career.

The Oakland years marked a shift from general utility work to a more focused role. His speed became his calling card on the field.

Pittsburgh Pirates Tenure

Alexander joined the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1978 and played his last four seasons there, through 1981. Manager Chuck Tanner, who had used Alexander in Oakland, brought him to Pittsburgh too.

With the Pirates, Alexander picked up the nickname “Matt the Scat” because of his pinch-running. He became the team’s main pinch-runner under Tanner.

Alexander was part of the Pirates’ 1979 World Series championship team. His specialized role helped the team during their title run.

During his time in Pittsburgh, Alexander set several major league records for pinch-running appearances. He played in 374 games in his career but had only 195 plate appearances, showing just how specialized his job was.

Specialization as a Pinch Runner

Matt Alexander built a unique place in baseball history as the most successful pinch runner in Major League Baseball. He appeared as a pinch runner 271 times, swiping 91 stolen bases and scoring 89 runs—records nobody else has matched.

Role and Usage in Games

Alexander’s pinch running role became his main job in his later career. He played in 374 games over nine years but had only 195 plate appearances.

Teams used him just for his speed, not his bat. The Pittsburgh Pirates and manager Chuck Tanner really knew how to use his talents. Alexander became a late-game weapon.

Managers would put him in as a pinch runner when they needed to move runners or create a scoring chance. His speed made him dangerous in tight spots.

He could turn a single into a double, or a double into a triple, just by running the bases aggressively. Only seven non-pitchers in MLB history have played at least 100 games with more games played than at-bats—Alexander is one of them.

Stolen Base Records and Techniques

Alexander’s pinch-running stats still stand alone in baseball. He stole 91 bases as a pinch runner and scored 89 runs in those situations.

He delivered when the pressure was highest. Defenses knew he was going to run, and he still succeeded. In total, he stole 103 bases in his career.

Key Pinch Running Stats:

• 271 pinch running appearances
• 91 stolen bases as pinch runner
• 89 runs scored as pinch runner
• 103 career stolen bases overall

He focused on reading pitchers and getting great jumps. Alexander studied their habits and timing to maximize his chances.

Nicknames and Reputation

People called Alexander “Matt the Scat” for his speed and pinch running. The nickname stuck, and it summed up his unique role.

His reputation as a pinch-running specialist grew over time. Teams and fans saw him as the go-to guy for clutch baserunning.

The baseball world respected his contribution. He never became an everyday player, but as a pinch runner, he might be the best ever. His records still stand as proof of his skills.

1979 World Series and Playoff Highlights

Matt Alexander played a key role in the Pittsburgh Pirates’ championship season. He appeared in two playoff games during their World Series run.

The Pirates came back from a 3-1 deficit to beat the Baltimore Orioles in seven games, with Alexander contributing as a pinch-runner specialist.

Pittsburgh Pirates’ Championship Run

The 1979 Pittsburgh Pirates, famously called the “Fam-a-lee,” pulled off a World Series championship in dramatic fashion. Alexander played on a team that oozed resilience and determination all postseason.

The Pirates grabbed the National League East title to enter the playoffs. Their roster boasted stars like Willie Stargell, who put on one of the best postseason performances baseball fans have ever seen.

Alexander brought speed and base-running smarts, making himself a go-to guy in tight late-game moments. Manager Chuck Tanner often sent him in as a pinch-runner when the Pirates really needed to get something going.

“It taught me a lot about the game,” Alexander said about his specialist role. “I got so I could tell when I was going to be used.”

That championship run stood out as the high point of Alexander’s career. He later called his time in Pittsburgh “the best highlight of my life and career.”

World Series Performance

Alexander made one appearance in the 1979 World Series against the Baltimore Orioles. The Pirates faced a tough American League champion.

The World Series stretched to all seven games. Pittsburgh trailed 3-1 but somehow clawed their way back.

Alexander’s pinch-running skills fit perfectly with the Pirates’ aggressive base-running. His speed really matched their style.

The Pirates took the championship in Game 7. Alexander earned his World Series ring as part of the 25-man roster.

That World Series appearance was the peak of Alexander’s professional career. His specialized role helped shape one of baseball’s most unforgettable championship stories.

National League Championship Series Appearance

Alexander got into two playoff games during the Pirates’ 1979 postseason. The National League Championship Series came before the World Series.

The Pirates fought through the NL playoffs to earn their World Series shot. Alexander contributed in his usual pinch-running role.

His appearances showed just how much teams value specialists in the postseason. Managers keep players like Alexander around for those high-stakes moments.

The NLCS win punched Pittsburgh’s ticket to the World Series. Alexander’s playoff experience helped him prep for baseball’s biggest stage.

His playoff games capped off a pretty unique career path. Alexander’s speed and base-running IQ paid off in the games that mattered most.

Statistical Legacy and Impact

Matt Alexander’s stats tell the story of a guy who thrived as a pinch runner and utility man. His value really came through in clutch moments more than in traditional batting numbers.

His 1981 final season wrapped up a nine-year career across three teams, all while showing off a skill set you just don’t see much anymore.

Career WAR and Advanced Metrics

Alexander’s career WAR (Wins Above Replacement) stayed modest during his nine years in the majors. His pinch-running role just didn’t rack up the same stats as everyday starters.

His value came from pure speed, not from hitting. With a career batting average of .214 over 374 games, it’s no wonder managers like Chuck Tanner used him in such specific spots.

Alexander’s advanced stats highlighted his niche. He made his mark in moments, not over long stretches, so traditional numbers just don’t capture his real impact on a team’s success.

Runs Scored and On-Base Performance

Alexander’s main offensive contribution was scoring runs once he got on base. His speed gave teams an edge in late-game situations where every run felt huge.

His on-base percentage got a boost since he came in as a pinch runner. Managers put him in when they needed to score, making the most of every opportunity.

People started calling him “Matt the Scat” because of his base-running. His run totals weren’t eye-popping, but they came in crucial moments that box scores just don’t tell you about.

Key Highlights from 1981 Season

Alexander’s last season in 1981 with the Pirates closed out his specialist career. At 34, he still filled the pinch-runner role under Chuck Tanner.

That season really summed up his place as a situational player. He didn’t play a lot, but when he did, it was in spots where his speed could make a difference.

After 1981, Alexander retired, ending a chapter you just don’t see much in baseball anymore. Players with his skill set have become pretty rare as teams look for more flexible rosters.

Retirement and Post-Baseball Life

Matt Alexander wrapped up his career in 1981 after nine years in the majors. That marked the end of baseball’s top pinch-running specialist.

After hanging up his spikes, Alexander headed back to Louisiana and stayed connected to the baseball community in different ways.

Final MLB Season and Move to Mexican Leagues

Alexander played his last MLB season in 1981 with the Pirates. He finished with 374 games but just 195 plate appearances, which says a lot about his unique role.

He built quite a record as a pinch runner. He still holds the major league record for most pinch-running appearances with 271, and he racked up 91 stolen bases and 89 runs scored in that role.

Even after leaving MLB, Alexander didn’t step away from the game right away. In 1989, at 42, he made a comeback with the Winter Haven Super Sox in the short-lived Senior Professional Baseball Association.

That brief return showed Alexander’s enduring love for baseball. The Senior League gave older players a shot to keep competing at a high level.

Life and Work After Baseball

Alexander went back to his hometown of Shreveport, Louisiana, once his playing days ended. Adjusting from pro baseball to regular life wasn’t a small thing for him.

He’s kept most of his post-baseball life private, but he stayed tied to the sport that shaped his career. In a 2009 interview, he looked back on his career and the lessons he took from being a specialist.

“It taught me a lot about the game,” Alexander said about his pinch-running. “All aspects: hitting, fielding, staying focused, paying attention.”

The skills he picked up as a pinch-runner—especially reading situations and staying ready—probably helped him in whatever came next.

Contributions to Shreveport Baseball Community

When Alexander came back to Shreveport, he reconnected with the baseball scene that shaped him as a kid. Honestly, his hometown meant a lot—it was where he played for Bethune High School and then moved on to Grambling State University, just down the road.

People around here saw him as a valuable resource for younger players. I mean, not everyone gets drafted by Buck O’Neil for the Chicago Cubs and then ends up with a World Series ring from the 1979 Pirates, right?

Alexander’s story really stuck with folks in Shreveport’s baseball world. He showed everyone that you can make it to the majors, even if others try to box you into one role—sometimes, sticking with it and staying flexible makes all the difference.