Biography
Joseph Paul Mather (born July 23, 1982) is an American former professional baseball outfielder and current coach. He is the assistant hitting coach for the Cincinnati Reds of Major League Baseball (MLB). He played in MLB for the St. Louis Cardinals, Atlanta Braves and Chicago Cubs.
Early life
Mather was born on July 23, 1982, in Sandpoint, Idaho. At Mountain Pointe High School in Phoenix, Arizona he played basketball and was also an All-State performer in baseball. He also set the school record for the most RBI and home runs in a career. Mather also earned nicknames such as "Joey Bombs", "Jo-Jo" and Joe Cotton Mather, a reference to the 17th century puritan minister.
Professional playing career
Minor leagues
In 38 games with the Memphis Redbirds before his promotion to the St. Louis Cardinals, Mather hit .315 with 12 home runs, 24 RBI, and slugged .671.
St. Louis Cardinals
On May 30, 2008, Mather was promoted from Triple-A to the Major league club after outfielder Chris Duncan was optioned to Triple-A . On the same day as his call-up, he was in the starting lineup as the right fielder for the Cardinals. He picked up his first major league hit and RBI in the 7th inning, driving in the game-winning run. He was the last man cut in April 2009, for the team to get to the 25-man roster before Opening Day (Apr. 6). On April 17, 2010, Mather came in for a stint as pitcher in the 19th and 20th innings against the New York Mets, picking up the loss in the game when the Mets won 2-1 in the 20th.
Atlanta Braves
Mather was claimed by the Atlanta Braves on November 3, 2010. After failing to make the Braves' 2011 Opening Day roster, the organization placed him on outright waivers. He cleared waivers and was sent to Triple-A Gwinnett Braves. On April 28, he had his contract purchased from the minors by the Braves, a move that general manager, Frank Wren, described as a "necessity." He had a career high 4 hit, 4 RBI night when the Braves faced the Angels on May 21, 2011. He was designated for assignment on June 19 and was later outrighted to Triple-A, but instead, he opted for free agency.
Colorado Rockies
On July 4, 2011, Mather signed with the Colorado Rockies.
Chicago Cubs
Mather signed a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs on January 4, 2012. With a successful spring, Mather made the Cubs opening day roster.
Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies signed Mather to a minor league contract but he did not make the team and was released.
Lancaster Barnstormers
He subsequently signed with the Lancaster Barnstormers in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.
Cincinnati Reds
On May 6, 2013 the Cincinnati Reds signed Mather to a minor league contract and assigned him to the Double A Pensacola Blue Wahoos.
Bridgeport Bluefish
Mather signed with the Bridgeport Bluefish for the 2014 season.
Coaching career
Mather joined the Arizona Diamondbacks organization in 2015, and served as a coach for the Missoula Osprey in 2015 and 2016. He served as the bench coach for the Jackson Generals in 2017. He served as the manager of the Visalia Rawhide in 2018. He spent the 2019 season as the Diamondbacks minor league field and hitting coordinator.Mather was hired by the Cincinnati Reds to serve as their assistant hitting coach on December 17, 2019.
Personal life
Mather resides in Phoenix, AZ and enjoys playing golf in his free time.