Gary Matthews Jr. briefly played for the New York Mets in 2002. (And when I say “briefly,” I almost feel like I’m stretching the truth — Mr. Matthews’ career in New York amounted to one plate appearance and a pinch-running assignment.) 

Matthews moved around alot during his early career. From 1999 through 2003, he played for five different Major League teams. Only twice did he get more than 300 at-bats in a season with a single team. In 2004, Matthews signed with the Texas Rangers.

He spent three seasons in Arlington and had what seemed to be a break-out year at the perfect time in 2006. Matthews was able to turn an All-Star season into a five-year, $50 million contract from the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

In 2007, published reports linked Matthews with an illegal drug ring, alleging that the outfielder had used human growth hormone. Matthews publicly denied the allegations. He has not been able to re-capture his All-Star success in California.

Upper Deck produced a certified autograph insert of Matthews in 1999; although it features a dark photo and a boring design, at least it does sport an “on-card” signature. At one point, this card was priced at $8. I picked it up on eBay for $3 shipped.

Matthews is the second Mets player I’ve added to my autograph collection in 2009, so I’ve only got 98 more to go to keep my New Year’s resolution.