Mike Matheny

Mike Matheny, a former professional baseball player and manager, is most renowned for his time managing the St. Louis Cardinals from 2012 to 2018 and the Kansas City Royals from 2020 to 2022. During his managerial career, his teams won one National League pennant and three NL Central Division titles. Notably, Matheny made two World Series appearances, one as a player in 2004 and another as a manager in 2013. Further demonstrating his leadership mastery, he became the first manager in MLB history to lead his team to the playoffs in each of his first four seasons and the fifth manager to lead his team to a League Championship Series appearance in each of his first three seasons.

As a player, Matheny won four Rawlings Gold Glove Awards (2000, 2003–2005), and his deftness behind the plate is still recognized by the Major Leagues. He set a record for catchers by playing 252 consecutive games without committing an error and fielded 1,565 consecutive chances without an error. His leadership skills were also recognized with the Willie Mac Award in 2005 for spirit and leadership with the San Francisco Giants. His record as a manager includes 756 wins to 693 losses, and he was honored with the Missouri Athletic Club Sports Personality of the Year in 2015.

Matheny's career took a turn towards mentorship when he became a baseball mentor for Protégé Sports after retiring from playing. He helps out in various executive coaching roles and advises coaches in need. Following his retirement due to persisting concussion symptoms, he became a passionate advocate for concussion prevention and improved catcher safety.