The Biography of Matt Carpenter, Baseball Star

The Biography of Matt Carpenter, a man who believed baseball is a way of life and not just another sport. Carpenter’s love for the game started at a young age, and he worked hard to make it to the major leagues.

Despite not being highly recruited by colleges, Carpenter’s talent and dedication eventually led him to the St. Louis Cardinals, where he has become a star player and fan favourite.

Carpenter’s success on the field has also led to his role as an inspiration behind the 2001 film “61*” directed by Billy Crystal, which tells the story of Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle’s pursuit of Babe Ruth’s single-season home run record.

This article talks about the life and career of Matt Carpenter, from his beginning in Texas to his rise to fame.

It further delves into his connection to baseball history through his grandfather’s friendship with Maris and Mantle.

Early Life, Education and Career of Matt Carpenter

Matt Carpenter, Baseball Star and Inspiration Behind 2001 Film

Matt Carpenter, the star third baseman for the St. Louis Cardinals, was born on November 26, 1985, in Sugar Land, Texas.

Carpenter grew up in a family that valued sports, with his father, Rick Carpenter, being a high school baseball coach.

As a result, Carpenter’s love for baseball started at a very tender age, and he started playing the sport in little league.

Carpenter attended Elkins High School in Missouri City, Texas, where he played for his father’s team. He quickly made a name for himself as an excellent player, and during his senior year, he batted .474 and led his team to the state championship game.

Despite his success, colleges still needed to recruit Matt. Carpenter attended Texas Christian University (TCU) on a partial scholarship.

At TCU, Carpenter continued to impress on the field. In his first year, he batted .283. Matt got into the Freshman All-American team. In his sophomore year, he batted .346.

Carpenter got the title of the Mountain West Conference Player of the Year. During his junior year, Carpenter batted .315 and was drafted in the 13th round by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2009 MLB draft.

In addition to his victory on the field, Carpenter also excelled in the classroom. He majored in communications and got on the Dean’s List multiple times.

Carpenter was also a two-time Academic All-American. Matt Carpenter joined the Academic All-Mountain West Conference team three times.

More Details About Baseball Star, Carpenter

Born: November 26, 1985 (age 37 years), Galveston, Texas, United States

Current team: San Diego Padres (#14 / Third baseman)

Spouse: Mackenzie Carpenter (m. 2011)

Salary: 6.25 million USD (2016)

Siblings: Tyler Carpenter, Caitlyn Carpenter

Height: 1.9 m

Parents: Rick Carpenter, Tammie Carpenter

Carpenter’s Rise to Fame in MLB

Carpenter began his professional career in the minor leagues, working his way up through the Cardinals’ system. He made his MLB debut on June 4, 2011, and quickly became a fan favourite for his effort and determination on the field.

In 2013, Carpenter had a breakout season, leading the National League in hits (199), runs scored (126), and doubles (55). They mentioned him to the All-Star team, and he finished fourth in MVP voting.

Carpenter remained a key player for the Cardinals in the following years, earning multiple All-Star selections and Silver Slugger awards. He led the team to the playoffs in 2013, 2014, and 2015. Matt was a key player in their World Series run in 2013.

The Inspiration Behind The 2001 Film “61*.”

In 2001, Billy Crystal directed the HBO film “61*,” which tells the story of Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle’s pursuit of Babe Ruth’s single-season home run record in 1961.

One of the main characters in the film is a fictional player named “Moose” Skowron. The movie centred on a real-life player named Bill “Moose” Skowron.

Matt Carpenter’s grandfather, Bill Skowron, played in the major leagues from 1954 to 1967. Bill was a close friend of Mantle and Maris. When Billy Crystal worked on the film, he got information and inspiration from Carpenter’s grandfather.

Carpenter was still a child when his grandfather passed away. However, Matt felt happy that his grandfather’s story played a role in the film’s creation.

In an interview with the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Carpenter said, “It’s really cool to be associated with something that’s bigger than yourself and to have a connection to something that’s a part of history.”

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Family and Marriage Life of Matt Carpenter

Matt Carpenter is married to Mackenzie Carpenter. The couple met while they were both attending Texas Christian University. The couple tied the knot in 2011 and have been together ever since. They have three children: a son, Kannon, and two daughters, Kinley and Krieger.

Carpenter’s family has been a significant influence in his life and career. His father, Rick Carpenter, was a high school baseball coach. Rick played a significant role in developing his son’s love for the sport.

Carpenter’s grandfather, John Carpenter, was also a baseball fan. He had a close friendship with baseball legends Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle. This connection inspired the 2001 film “61*”, which tells the story of Maris and Mantle’s pursuit of Babe Ruth’s single-season home run record.

Despite the demands of a busy baseball career, Carpenter makes time for his family. He regularly shares photos and updates about his family on social media and has been open about their importance to him.

In an interview with the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Carpenter said his family is his “rock” and provides him with the support he needs to succeed on the field.

Source of Income and Net Worth

Matt Carpenter’s source of income primarily comes from his career as a professional baseball player for the St. Louis Cardinals. He has been with the team since 2011 and has played a very vital role in their success.

Carpenter’s contract with the Cardinals has seen him earn millions of dollars in salary, with his current contract being a six-year, $52 million deal signed in 2019.

Aside from his salary from playing baseball, Carpenter has also received money through endorsement deals with brands such as Nike and Rawlings. In addition, he also invested in real estate, including a home in Jupiter, Florida, which he purchased in 2016.

As of 2021, Matt Carpenter’s estimated net worth is around $20 million. This is based on his earnings from his baseball career, endorsements, and investments.

Awards Won By Carpenter

Matt Carpenter is a renowned baseball player, having won numerous awards and accolades. Here are some of the most outstanding awards and honours that he has received:

National League Silver Slugger Award (2013, 2014, 2018)
National League All-Star (2013, 2014, 2016)
St. Louis Cardinals Heart and Hustle Award (2018)
Rawlings Gold Glove Award (2013)
National League Comeback Player of the Year Award (2018)

Bottom Line

Matt Carpenter’s life and career are crowned by hard work, determination, and a love for baseball. From his early days in Texas to his rise to fame in MLB, Carpenter has always been a player to watch.

The biography of Matt Carpenter is worth reading because it’s inspiring. It charges one with the mindset to go for more.

The Biography of Matt Carpenter, Baseball Star and Inspiration Behind 2001 Film – “61*”