Matt Williams
Former MLB third baseman and manager, known as 'Matt the Bat' and 'the Big Marine'.
Matthew Derrick Williams (born November 28, 1965), nicknamed "Matt the Bat" and "the Big Marine", is an American professional baseball manager and former third baseman. He played in MLB for the San Francisco Giants, Cleveland Indians, and Arizona Diamondbacks, and managed the Washington Nationals from 2014 to 2015. He was the third base coach for the San Diego Padres from 2022 to 2023 and the San Francisco Giants from 2024 to 2025. Since 2026, he has been the manager of the San Francisco Firebells of the Women's Professional Baseball League.
- Nickname
- Matt the Bat, the Big Marine
- Jersey Number
- 9
Lore & Background
Williams played in a World Series for the Cleveland Indians and Arizona Diamondbacks, winning with the Diamondbacks over the New York Yankees. He is one of only a few players to hit a World Series home run for two different MLB teams. He earned three Gold Glove Awards (1991, 1993, 1994). In 1994, he led the National League with 43 home runs in a strike-shortened season and finished second in NL MVP voting. He was named National League Manager of the Year in 2014 after leading the Nationals to a 96–66 record and an NL East title.
In Their Own Story
The wind howled off the bay at Candlestick Park, swirling unpredictably through the stands on a crisp October night. Matt Williams stepped into the batter's box, gripping his bat tightly as the umpire called for play. The pitcher wound up, and the ball arced toward the plate. With a thunderous crack that silenced the crowd for a heartbeat, Williams connected perfectly. He watched the white sphere vanish into the foggy darkness beyond the left-field wall, turning to jog with the quiet confidence of "The Hammer" who knew exactly where it landed.
Reader's Guide
Williams was drafted by the San Francisco Giants third overall in 1986. He debuted on April 11, 1987. His best season was 1994, hitting 43 home runs and 96 RBI in 112 games. He was traded to the Cleveland Indians in November 1996, then to the Arizona Diamondbacks in 1998, where he signed a five-year, $45 million extension. He shares the Diamondbacks record for most RBI in a season (142 in 1999). He managed the Washington Nationals (2014–2015), the Kia Tigers of the KBO League (2020–2021), and the San Francisco Firebells (since 2026). He also served as third base coach for the Diamondbacks, Athletics, Padres, and Giants.
Did You Know?
- Williams was originally drafted by the New York Mets in the 27th round of the 1983 draft but did not sign.
- He played multiple positions on his high school football team in Carson City, Nevada, but was not the starting quarterback.
- He played college baseball at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and was inducted into their athletics hall of fame in 1997.
- Williams hit 378 career home runs with a .268 batting average and 1,218 RBI.
- He was named National League Manager of the Year in 2014.
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