Last week Detroit Tigers Minor League Pitching Coordinator Jon Matlack was sitting in the stands watching the Triple-A Toledo Mudhens when he was unexpectedly called to the clubhouse. Even more unexpectedly he was fired by Tigers assistant GM Al Avila after 15 years in the organization. In the story Matlack, the 1972 National League Rookie Of The Year with the New York Mets, says he has “No Idea” why he was fired, talks about his time with the Tigers, and being regarded as one of the most highly regarded coaches by the Tigers minor league pitchers.
Tigers fire pitching coordinator Jon Matlack — DetNews.com
In 1908, Luther Taylor completed an eight year career for the New York Giants. In the 103 years that have passed, there has never been another deaf pitcher in the major leagues. Los Angeles Angels farmhand Ryan Ketchner is on the cusp of being the first in the last century. This season at Triple-A Salt Lake, the 29 year old right hander has posted a 5-6 record with a 5.88ERA in 18 starts. He’s previously pitched in the Detroit Tigers organization and made it as high as Triple-A Toledo in 2009 and 2010. He has yet to make it to the majors. In the story Ketchner talks about his hearing impairment, meeting former deaf major leaguer Curtis Pride, the challenges of playing without being able to hear, and the advantages his lip reading abilities give him and his teammates. It’s a fascinating read.
Hearing-impared pitcher Ryan Ketchner has major-league role models, aspirations — Palm Beach Post
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