Gulfport, Mississippi born Matt Lawton attended Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College where he was part of a stacked Bulldogs lineup.
The versatile outfielder was drafted in the 13th round of the 1991 Major League Baseball draft by the Minnesota Twins. An astonishing five of his teammates were also drafted that very season.
After spending four seasons in the Twins minor league system, Lawton made his big league debut as a September call-up in 1995 at the age of 23.
The veteran spent 12 seasons playing in the Majors for the Minnesota Twins, New York Mets, Cleveland Indians, Pittsburgh Pirates, Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees and Seattle Mariners before retiring in 2006.
Lawton was a two- time All Star, once with the Minnesota Twins and a second time with Cleveland. He wasnamed the 2000 Minnesota Twins Player of the Year and once appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated.
In this recent interview with SC Daily, Lawton talks about seeing himself on a trading card for the first time, often being confused for Milton Bradley while playing in Cleveland, collecting gear of Ichiro, A-Rod, Kirby Puckett, and other former great teammates.
Tony Reid-Your very first cards appeared in 1993 when you were with the Fort Wayne Wizards. Your rookie cards came a few years later in a wide range of products in 1996. When was the first time you saw yourself on a trading card?
Matt Lawton-It’s so long ago I really don’t remember all of the details. I just remember the first time I saw it felt like I finally made it. I am on a baseball card. I guess that’s when you made it-when you play in Yankee Stadium and when you are on a baseball card. It was definitely a big deal back then. The kids love collecting them. I think it’s even bigger today.
TR– Whether it was in Mississippi or Minnesota do you remember the first time you were approached for you autograph and could you share the story with me?
ML-I remember a bunch of times but the ones that really stick out to me where all the times I was offered Milton Bradley cards. Back when I played with Cleveland it happened all the time. ‘Hey, Mr. Bradley can you sign this?’ I don’t know why but people always thought we were the same guy. That definitely sticks out to me.
TR–Being a 12 year MLB vet, a two time AL All Star and the 2000 Minnesota Twins Player of the Year and more, do you have a collection of memorabilia from your time in the game?
ML-I have a couple of things in my office. Most of my stuff is from other players like Ichiro, Alex Rodriguez, Kirby Puckett, those are all of my favorite players. I got a lot of stuff from other guys. I don’t have much of my own stuff to be honest.
TR–What teams and players were you drawn to as a young kid? Whose cards were you collecting and whose posters were on your wall?
ML-I lived in Mississippi. The Atlanta Braves were always on TV all the time. Sometimes you could get the Cubs. My favorite player growing up was Joe Morgan. I came up a second baseman. He was short in stature like me. I wanted to be like Joe Morgan. He had a sweet swing and was pretty fast out there on the bases. I always wanted to be like him.
TR-What was the biggest “pinch me” moment from your long career?
ML-Playing for the Minnesota Twins, we were a small market team and Kirby Puckett was our guy over there. I guess the first time I felt that was at the All Star Game in 1998. Being around Derek Jeter and Manny Ramirez and all of those guys, I was definitely in awe.
TR–You have had 746 different cards produced over the years. Did you manage to hold on to your own cards?
ML-There were a couple of people that made me different plaques with all different cards in them. I can’t say that I tried to collect every card I have because when you tell me there are over 700 cards, I know I don’t have that many of my cards. I think I have a pretty good bit of my own cards that I’ve collected over the years.
TR–If you could go back to your career and stop any opponent after the game for a jersey swap, who would it be and why?
ML-I don’t know if he would want my jersey but I would have to get Derek Jeter’s jersey. It was special when I finally got the chance to play with him in New York for a little bit. He was my guy. I always admired him from afar when I played against him. I liked the way he went about his business. He was always one of my favorite guys I played against.
