We continue the countdown today with number 62, Missouri State outfielder Tate Matheny. In his freshman campaign with the Bears, Matheny quickly became a standout as he wasted no time making an impact in the field and at the plate. The 6’0” outfielder played in all 54 games for the Bears and during that time was able to lead the team in almost every offensive category. Matheny was named a Freshman All-American by Collegiate Baseball, Baseball America and the Missouri Valley Conference after hitting .336 with 77 hits and a .459 slugging percentage. In doing so he became the 4th MSU player in the last five years to be named the Conference Freshman of the year.
The St. Louis, Mo native attended Westminister Christian Academy where he played a very important role in capturing back-to-back Missouri Class 3 State Championships. Matheny posted monster numbers for the Wildcats in 2012 batting .610 with 20 doubles, 11 triples, 11 homeruns and 51 RBI. His impressive season earned him All-Metro player of the year honors and MHSBCA First-Team All-State. Prior to signing with the Bears, Matheny was taken in the 23rd round of the 2012 MLB Draft by the St. Louis Cardinals but opted to pursue an education at MSU.
During the 2013 summer, the centerfielder spent his time as a member of the Madison Mallards in the Northwoods League. In 54 games, Matheny posted a .279 average with 65 hits and 41 RBI. The talented outfielder was ranked the No. 19 prospect in the Northwoods League by Baseball America.
Son of St. Louis Cardinals manager Mike Matheny, Tate has grown up around the game his whole life, and it shows. Despite being constantly referred to as the “son of Mike Matheny”, the MSU outfielder has plans of his own and so far has been successful at paving his own path. He returns to campus this year for his sophomore season and looks to continue his success into the Bears 2014 season.
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