Matt Williams, renowned for his exceptional career as a Major League Baseball (MLB) third baseman and manager, boasts a net worth of $20 million. Known for his powerful bat and stellar defensive skills, Williams’s impact on the game has been substantial.
This article explores his early life, professional achievements, coaching career, and personal life, providing a detailed view of his journey in and out of the sport.
Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | $20 Million |
| Birthdate | November 28, 1965 |
| Birthplace | Bishop, California |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Profession | Former MLB Player, Coach, Manager |
| Major Achievements | 4 Gold Glove Awards, 4 Silver Slugger Awards, 2001 World Series Champion |
| Current Role | Third-Base Coach for the San Francisco Giants |
| Marital Status | Divorced three times; has one daughter with third wife Erika Monroe Williams |
Early Life and Education
Formative Years
Matt Williams was born on November 28, 1965, in Bishop, California. He attended Carson High School in Nevada, where his athletic talents were evident in both baseball and football. Williams’s skills on the diamond caught the attention of scouts, leading him to a standout collegiate career.
College Baseball Success
At the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), Williams played three seasons with the Rebels. From 1984 to 1986, he showcased his prowess by hitting 58 home runs, driving in 217 runs, and maintaining a .327 batting average. His collegiate performance set the stage for a successful MLB career.
Professional Playing Career
MLB Debut and Early Success
Williams was selected by the San Francisco Giants with the third overall pick in the 1986 MLB Draft. He initially played shortstop and third base before becoming the Giants’ starting third baseman in 1990. That year, Williams led the National League (NL) in RBI with 122 and earned his first Silver Slugger Award. His defensive prowess was recognized with his first Gold Glove Award in 1991, which he would win again in 1993 and 1994.
Career Highlights and Trades
Williams’s career continued to flourish as he led the NL in home runs with 43 in 1994. After the 1996 season, he was traded to the Cleveland Indians. During his only season with the team in 1997, he secured his fourth Gold Glove and Silver Slugger Awards. The Indians reached the World Series, but they fell to the Florida Marlins in a seven-game series.
All Gamecock fans will remember this pinch-hit home run by @mattw_williams to tie the game in the eighth inning of a 3-2 win over Clemson!! #Gamecocks #ForeverToThee pic.twitter.com/xRKnQtfjA2
— Gamecock Baseball (@GamecockBasebll) July 13, 2018
In 1998, Williams joined the Arizona Diamondbacks for their inaugural season, where he enjoyed a memorable 1999 season, setting a franchise record with 142 RBI. Williams’s tenure with the Diamondbacks culminated in winning the 2001 World Series against the New York Yankees.
Coaching and Managing Career
Return to Coaching
In 2010, Williams returned to the Diamondbacks as their first-base coach, later serving as the third-base coach. His managerial stint with the Washington Nationals began in 2014, leading them to a division title and a playoff berth. Williams was named NL Manager of the Year for his efforts that season. Despite his success, he was dismissed in October 2015 after the Nationals failed to make the playoffs.
Later Coaching Roles
Williams continued his coaching career with the Diamondbacks in 2016, followed by roles with the Oakland Athletics and Kia Tigers in South Korea. In 2022, he joined the San Diego Padres as the third-base coach before returning to the San Francisco Giants in 2024.
Alleged Steroid Use
In 2007, the San Francisco Chronicle reported that Williams had purchased over $11,000 worth of steroids in 2002. Williams claimed the substances were used under a doctor’s advice for an ankle injury. He was subsequently named in the Mitchell Report, which implicated various MLB players in steroid use.
Personal Life
Marriages and Family
Williams married Tracie in 1989, with whom he had three children before their divorce. His second marriage was to actress Michelle Johnson, which ended in 2002. Williams’s third marriage to television news anchor Erika Monroe Williams lasted 20 years and produced a daughter before their divorce in 2023.
Real Estate
In 2005, Williams purchased a 2-acre plot in Paradise Valley, Arizona, for $1.75 million. He constructed a 15,000-square-foot mansion, completed in 2009, which he listed for $9.5 million in 2018. The property sold for $6.505 million in August 2021.
References
- Matt Williams’s MLB Career Overview – MLB Official Website
- Biography of Matt Williams – Baseball Reference
- Matt Williams’s Real Estate Ventures – Celebrity Net Worth
