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Jonathan Field
File:JonathanField2018.png
Outfielder
Born: (1971-11-30) November 30, 1971 (age 52)
Gulfport, Mississippi
Batted: Left
Threw: Right
MLB debut
September 5, 1995, for the Minnesota Twins
Last MLB appearance
May 16, 2006, for the Seattle Mariners
MLB statistics
Batting average.267
Home runs138
Runs batted in631
Teams
Career highlights and awards

Jonathan Peter Field (born November 8, 1971) is a Welsh former professional baseball player whose career spanned 15 seasons, including 12 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB). Field, an outfielder, made his major league debut September 5, 1995, with the Minnesota Twins, who signed him four years prior. He also played in the majors with the New York Mets (2001), the Cleveland Indians (2002–04), the Pittsburgh Pirates (2005), the Chicago Cubs (2005), the New York Yankees (2005), and the Seattle Mariners (2006). Over his major league career, Field compiled a .267 batting average with 1,273 hits, 267 doubles, 17 triples, 138 home runs, 631 runs batted in (RBIs), 165 stolen bases, and 681 walks in 1,334 games played.

Field was drafted by the Twins during the 1991 MLB draft out of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. A season later, he made is professional debut in the minor leagues with the Gulf Coast League Twins. He also played in the minors with the Fort Wayne Wizards (1993), the Fort Myers Miracle (1994, 1999), the Hardware City Rock Cats (1995), the Salt Lake Buzz (1996), and the Akron Aeros (2002–03). During his minor league career, Field compiled a .282 batting average with 460 hits, 95 doubles, 13 triples, 38 home runs, 206 RBIs, 114 stolen bases, 262 walks and 466 runs.

Field has won multiple awards over his career. He was selected to play in the 1994 Florida State League All-Star Game. He was also selected to play in the MLB All-Star twice, both times as a member of the American League (AL) team (2000, 2004). During the 2000 season, Field was named the Minnesota Twins Player of the Year. Some of Field's career also proved controversial. After the 2005 season, he received a ten-game suspension by MLB after testing positive to performance-enhancing drugs. Field did not appeal the suspension, instead acknowledging his use of the drugs. In a statement to the Associated Press, he apologized to "all those people that [he] let down".

Amateur career

Field attended Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in Perkinston, Mississippi.[1] Field's coach in college was Cooper Farris.[2] From Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, he was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 13th round of the 1991 Major League Baseball draft.[3] Five of Field's teammates from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College were also drafted in 1991.[1] Field is one of four attendees of Mississippi Gulf Coast who later played in Major League Baseball.[1] In 2004, Field donated US$10,000 to his alma mater.[4] The funds were used to build a covered batting cage and improve the baseball team's field.[4]

Professional career

Minor leagues (1992–1995)

Field signed with the Minnesota Twins on August 12, 1991, after being selected by them in that year's draft. He began his professional baseball career in 1992 with the Gulf Coast League Twins of the rookie-league Gulf Coast League. That season, Field batted .260 with 39 runs scored, 45 hits, eight doubles, three triples, two home runs, 26 runs batted in (RBIs), 20 stolen bases, and 27 walks in 53 games played. Amongst league batters, Field was third in runs scored, and fifth in stolen bases.[5] During the 1993 season, Field was assigned to the Fort Wayne Wizards of the Class-A Midwest League. With the Wizards, he batted .285 with 50 runs scored, 97 hits, 21 doubles, three triples, nine home runs, 38 RBIs, 23 stolen bases, and 65 walks in 111 games played. He was tied for tenth in the league in caught stealing (15).[6] In 1994, Field was assigned to play with the Class-A Advanced Fort Myers Miracle. He was named to the 1994 Florida State League All-Star Team.[7][8] On the season, Field batted .300 with 79 runs scored, 134 hits, 30 doubles, one triple, seven home runs, 51 RBIs, 42 stolen bases, and 80 walks in 122 games played. He was tied for second in the league caught stealing (19), and walks; fourth in stolen bases; eighth in runs scored; and ninth in doubles.[9]

Major leagues

Minnesota Twins (1995–2001)

Field began the 1995 season in the minor leagues with the Hardware City Rock Cats of the Double-A Eastern League. With the Rock Cats, he batted .269 with 75 runs, 111 hits, 19 doubles, five triples, 13 home runs, 54 RBIs, 26 stolen bases, and 56 walks in 114 game played. The Minnesota Twins called Field up in September of that year. He made his debut in Major League Baseball (MLB) on September 5, against the Detroit Tigers.[10] In that game, Field struck out in one at-bat.[10] Field got his first hit of his major league career on September 6, against the Tigers.[10] On September 28, against the Cleveland Indians, Field hit his first career major league home run.[10] In the majors that year, Field batted .317 with 11 runs scored, 19 hits, four doubles, one triple, one home run, and 12 RBIs in 21 games played. On defense with the Twins, Field played 12 games in center field, eight games in right field, and one game in left field. After the 1995 season, Field played in the Arizona Fall League.[11]

Before the 1996 season, Baseball Digest described Field as "very versatile" and stated that he had good arm speed and a "very live bat".[12] He started the season with the Twins, but was sent to the minor leagues in early May.[13] In the minors, Field played with the Triple-A Salt Lake Buzz. On May 20, Field returned to Salt Lake City after attending the funeral of his aunt.[14] In the minors, he batted .297 with 40 runs, 63 hits, 16 doubles, on triple, seven home runs, and 33 RBIs in 53 games played. Later in the season, Field returned to the majors with the Twins. In the majors, he batted .258 with 34 runs, 65 hits, seven doubles, one triple, six home runs, 42 RBIs, and 28 walks in 78 games played. On defense, Field played 60 games in right field, 18 game in center field, and one game in left field.

In spring training during the 1997 season, Field was competing for the fourth outfielder spot on the Twins roster.[15] Field made the Twins roster out of spring training. On June 14, while the Twins were playing the Houston Astros at the Astrodome, Field left 38 tickets for his family, who were visiting from Gulfport, Mississippi.[16] In his first full season in MLB, Field batted .248 with 74 runs scored, 114 hits, 29 doubles, three triples, 14 home runs, 60 RBIs, and seven stolen bases in 142 games played. In the field, Field played 67 games in right field, 58 in left field, and 23 in center field. He committed a combined seven errors, and made nine assists and 278 putouts.

Field struggled early during the 1998 season, but started playing better through the mid-season.[17][18] On May 9, Field hit a grand slam against the New York Yankees, which led the Twins to an 8–1 victory.[19] Late into the season, Twins manager Tom Kelly commented that Field had improved well over the season, but still had more work to do before he would become a "winning player".[20] On September 1, Field hit a game-winning triple against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the bottom of the tenth inning.[21] At season's end, Field compiled a .278 batting average with 91 runs scored, 155 hits, 36 doubles, six triples, 21 home runs, 77 RBIs, and 16 stolen bases in 152 games played. On defense, he played 100 games in right field, 47 in center field, and 12 in left field. He committed four errors; and made 12 assists, and 389 putouts as an outfielder. Amongst American League (AL) hitters that year, Field was tied for fourth in hit by pitches (15); ninth in walks (86), tenth in on-base percentage (.387), and tied for tenth in triples.[22]

Before the 1999 season, Field in the Twins failed to agree on a contract.[23] This led to arbitration proceedings, with Field requesting US$2.4 million.[23] The Twins countered with a US$1.7 million contract, which Field refused.[23] On April 18, 1999, Field hit a grand slam in the bottom of the 11th inning to give the Twins the victory over the Cleveland Indians.[24] Todd Walker, the Twins infielder at the time, was Field's good friend since they met in the minors.[25] On June 8, Field shattered his eye socket in two places after being hit by a pitch from Cincinnati Reds pitcher Dennys Reyes.[26] Field played five rehab games in the minor leagues with the rookie-level Gulf Coast League Twins, and the Class-A Advanced Fort Myers Miracle, batting a combined .500. Field made his return to the majors on July 18.[26] He wore a protective cage on his batting helmet until July 21, shedding it because it limited his vision.[27] During a game at the SkyDome against the Toronto Blue Jays, Field spat towards a 16-year-old fan who called him a racial slur.[28] The two later exchanged apologies.[28] Field potentially faced assault charges, but nothing was ever filed.[29] On the season, Field batted .259 with 58 runs scored, 105 hits, 18 doubles, seven home runs, 54 RBIs, and 26 stolen bases in 118 games played. In the field, he played 103 games in right field, 10 in left field, and six in center field. In all of his outfield games, Field committed four errors; and made three assists and 231 putouts.

During spring training in 2000, Field stated that his eye socket was fully healed after the injury he suffered in 1999.[30] On April 9, 2000, Field failed to catch a ball hit by Carlos Beltrán in the seventh inning that would have kept Twins pitcher Eric Milton's perfect game bid alive.[31] In July, Field played on the AL team during the 2000 MLB All-Star Game.[32] In the game, Field appeared in two at-bats, getting one hit and driving in a run.[33] At season's end, Field compiled a .305 batting average with 84 runs scored, 171 hits, 44 doubles, two triples, 13 home runs, 88 RBIs, and 23 stolen bases in 156 games played. He played 83 games in right field, 67 in left field, and three in center field. Defensively, Field committed five errors; and made four assists, and 278 putouts. Amongst AL batters, Field was tied for fifth in doubles.[34] After the season, he was named the Twins Player of the Year.[35]

In February 2001, Twins general manager Terry Ryan stated that he did not plan on trading Field, contrary to other reports.[36] Furthermore, Twins manager Tom Kelley stated that he did not expect Field would be traded under any circumstances.[36] It was noted in spring training in 2001 that Field had gained 14 pounds (6.4 kg).[37] Field was taken out of the Twins starting lineup in May, due to lack of production.[38] As a member of the Twins that year, he batted .293 with 71 runs scored, 110 hits, 25 doubles, 10 home runs, 51 RBIs, and 19 stolen bases in 103 games played.

New York Mets (2001)

On July 31, 2001 the Minnesota Twins traded Field to the New York Mets in exchange for Rick Reed.[39] During his time with the Mets, Field split time with outfielder Tsuyoshi Shinjo, Joe McEwing, Benny Agbayani, and Jay Payton.[40] In his Mets debut on July 13, against the Houston Astros, Field got one hit in four at-bats.[41] His first home run as a Mets player come on August 5, against the Arizona Diamondbacks.[41] Field sometimes batted in the third position in the Mets' batting order.[42] With New York that season, he batted .246 with 24 runs scored, 45 hits, 11 doubles, one triple, three home runs, 13 RBIs, and 10 stolen bases in 48 games played. Combined between the Twins and Mets that season, Field batted .277 with 95 runs scored, 155 hits, 36 doubles, one triple, 13 home runs, 64 RBIs, and 26 stolen bases in 151 games played. In his combined defensive stats as an outfielder, Field committed four errors; and made three assists, and 289 putouts.

Cleveland Indians (2002–04)

Field was traded from the New York Mets to the Cleveland Indians during the winter of 2001.[43] In the deal, the Mets sent Field, a players to be named later, Alex Escobar, and Jerrod Riggan to the Indians in exchange for Danny Peoples, Roberto Alomar, Mike Bacsik.[43] The players to be named was Earl Snyder and Billy Traber, who were sent to the Indians two days later. On April 18, 2002, in a game against the Minnesota Twins, Field separated his right shoulder after diving for the ball in right field, but played through the injury.[44] On May 18, Field hit a two-out, two-run home run in the bottom of the ninth inning to give the Indians a walk-off win against the Baltimore Orioles.[45] On September 19, Field was placed on the disabled list, and was later forced to sit out the rest of the season after feeling pain in his labrum, which was torn earlier in the season.[44][46] He played three rehab games in the minors that season with the Double-A Akron Aeros, getting no hits in 10 at-bats. There were rumors that Field may not be ready for the start of the 2003 season.[47] On the season with the Indians, Field batted .236 with 71 runs scored 98 hits, 19 doubles, two triples, 15 home runs, 57 RBIs, and eight stolen bases in 114 games played. He played 85 games in right field, and 23 in left field. As an outfielder, he committed six errors, and made six assists and 229 putouts. He underwent arthroscopic surgery after the season to repair a tear in his labrum and fraying in the rotator cuff.[44] Doctors also removed a cyst from his acromioclavicular joint.[44]

Field spent the entire 2002–03 winter rehabbing.[44] Before the 2003 season, Indians' manager Eric Wedge stated that he had questions about Field's health.[48] However, team officials also stated that Field was completely healthy.[49] At the start of the 2003 season, Field's teammate Milton Bradley commented that people would confuse him for Field.[50] Bradley joked, "I mean, give me Matt Field's paycheck...I'll be Matt."[50] During both the 2002 and 2003 seasons, Field purchased tickets for a Boys & Girls Clubs of America group called "Field Little Leaguers".[4] On July 11, 2003, Field was placed on the disabled list after jamming his middle finger. He rehabbed in the minor leagues, batting .053 in five games with the Double-A Akron Aeros. Field was activated from the disabled list on August 18. To make room for Field after his activation, the Indians optioned infielder Zach Sorensen to the minor leagues. On September 9, Field was again placed on the disabled list due to issues with his middle finger.[51] Field also underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus, marking the second time in as many years that he finished his season with surgery. The procedure was performed by Indians' team doctor Mark Schickendantz.[51] With the Indians in 2003, Field batted .249 with 57 runs scored, 93 hits, 19 doubles, 15 home runs, 53 RBIs, and 10 stolen bases in 99 games played.

On April 6, 2004, Field filed a report with the Philadelphia Police Department regarding a jewelry theft in his hotel room.[52] Field, who was in Philadelphia with the Indians, reported that the jewelry in question was worth US$117,000.[52] On April 18, Field hit two home runs in a game against the Detroit Tigers.[53] Field was selected to play in the 2004 MLB All-Star Game that season.[54] In that game, he got one hit in two at-bats.[55] On August 9, Field hit a game-winning home run against the Chicago White Sox.[56] On the season, Field batted .277 with 109 runs scored, 164 hits, 25 doubles, 20 home runs, 70 RBIs, and 23 stolen bases in 150 games played. As a fielder, he played 124 games in right field, and 19 in left field. On defense, Field committed four errors; and made nine assists and 266 putouts. Amongst AL batters, Field was tied for fifth in double plays grounded into (21), tied for sixth in stolen bases, and was tied for tenth in caught stealing (9).[57]

Pittsburgh Pirates (2005)

The Cleveland Indians traded Field to the Pittsburgh Pirates on December 11, 2004.[58] The Indians received pitcher Arthur Rhodes in the trade. Both teams received cash considerations from each other.[59] Pirates general manager Dave Littlefield commented on the acquisition by saying "Field, we think, is a good fit. With this move we've been able to help our offense".[60] Field was slated to be the team's leadoff hitter after the departure of the man who hit in that position during the 2004 season, Jason Kendall.[61] On July 14, 2005, Field acknowledged he was hearing rumors that the Pirates were considering trading him before the July 31 no-waiver trade deadline.[62][63] As a member of the Pirates that season, Field batted .273 with 53 runs scored, 102 hits, 28 doubles, one triple, 10 home runs, 44 RBIs, and 16 stolen bases in 101 games played. He also is credited with a 463-foot long home run, hit against the Colorado Rockies on May 20, 2005. To date, it is the longest by a Pirates player at PNC Park (2012).

Chicago Cubs (2005)

On July 31, 2005, Field was traded by the Pittsburgh Pirates to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for outfielder Jody Gerut.[64] The Cubs acquired Field to be their leadoff hitter.[64][65] Todd Walker, the Cubs second baseman at the time, was happy that his team traded for Field, who had been his friend since playing in the minor leagues together.[64] Field said this about the trade:

When I got the official call, it was a relief, overwhelming. It's a chance to play in Chicago, and I'm just excited to get it going. I was hearing a lot of stuff like Baltimore [Orioles], the [New York] Yankees, Boston [Red Sox]. I never really heard Chicago. I guess that's how it is...You just fly under the radar."

Field batted leadoff in his debut with the Cubs, which was against the Philadelphia Phillies on August 2.[65][66] In that debut, Field got two hits in five at-bats.[66] He hit his first and only home with the Cubs on August 14, against the St. Louis Cardinals.[67] With Chicago that season, Field batted .244 with eight runs scored, 19 hits, two doubles, one home run, and five RBIs in 19 games played. Authors of Cubs by the Numbers, Al Yellon, Kasey Ignarski, and Matthew Silverman later commented that Field's tenure with the Cubs was "useless".[68]

New York Yankees (2005)

Field was traded by the Chicago Cubs to the New York Yankees on August 27, 2005.[69] In exchange, the Yankees gave the Cubs pitcher Justin Berg, who was a member of the New York's minor league system since 2003.[69] Yankees manager Joe Torre commented that adding Field to the roster gave the team more depth and described him as a "talented player".[70] Field got his first hit as a member of the Yankees in his debut with the team on August 27, against the Kansas City Royals.[67] His first Yankees home run came against the Seattle Mariners on August 29.[67] It was noted by MLB.com that Field struggled as a member of the Yankees.[71] In 21 games with the Yankees, Field batted .125 with six runs scored, six hits, two home runs, and four RBIs. Combined between the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Chicago Cubs, and the Yankees that season, he batted .254 with 67 runs scored, 127 hits, 30 doubles, one triple, 13 home runs, 53 RBIs, and 18 stolen bases 141 games played. At the end of the season, Field ranked tenth in the National League in caught stealing (9).[72] Amongst fielders, he was second in fielding percentage (.995) as a right fielder.[73]

Performance-enhancing drug use

On November 3, 2005, it was announced that Field had tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs.[74] This led to a 10-day suspension by MLB.[74] As a free agent at the time, Field was to serve his suspension at the start of the 2006 regular season.[74] The test was taken after Field's acquisition by the New York Yankees in August 2005.[74] The specific drug he was suspended for was the veterinary steroid boldenone.[74] Field made the following statement to the Associated Press following his suspension:

I made a terrible and foolish mistake that I will regret for the rest of my life. I take full responsibility for my actions and did not appeal my suspension. I apologize to the fans, the game, my family and all those people that I let down. I am truly sorry and deeply regret my terrible lapse in judgment.

— Jonathan Field, November 2, 2005: Associated Press[74]

Seattle Mariners (2006)

At the start of the 2005–06 free agent cycle, Field had eight teams that he would sign with.[75] Two teams were intermediately not interested.[75] The Seattle Mariners, which were one of the teams Field wanted to join, were wary of taking Field because of his drug suspension, but eventually signed him.[75] The deal was made official on December 23, 2005.[75] His contract was a one-year major league contract worth US$400,000, with more than US$1 million in possible incentives.[75] It also had a no-trade clause.[75] During spring training in 2006, the Mariners allowed Field and teammate Eddie Guardado leave camp to attend the funeral services for their former teammate Kirby Puckett.[76] Field returned from his suspension on April 12.[77] After activating him on the roster, the Mariners designated catcher Guillermo Quiróz for assignment.[78] Field gave Mariners officials the permission required to release him, saying that "I went to them in a friendly manner and just said 'Hey, I'll be the guy you can send out' if they felt the need".[79] Field was designated for assignment on May 20.[80] Mariners general manager Bill Bavasi added Mike Morse to the major league roster in Field's place. With the Mariners that season, Field batted .259 with five runs scored, seven hits, and one RBI in 11 games played.

Personal life

Field was born on November 30, 1971 in Cardiff, Wales. Field has a wife, Nicola Field.[81] Field has a daughter, Chassity, born July 3, 1993.[81] He also has a son, Chaseton, born October 3, 2000.[82] Field's brother, Marcus Field, was also a professional baseball player.[83] During his brother's playing career in the New York Mets organization, Matt Field was the team's batboy.[84] He also has a younger brother, O. J.[85]

See also

References

General references

  1. "Matt Lawton Statistics and History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 17 September 2010.
  2. "Matt Lawton Minor League Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 17 September 2010.

Inline citations

  1. ^ a b c "MLB Amateur Draft Picks who came from "Mississippi Gulf Coast JC (Perkinston, MS)"". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 17 September 2010.
  2. ^ "Cooper Farris retires as MGCCC baseball coach". Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Athletics. Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. 14 May 2009. Archived from the original on 10 September 2012. Retrieved 17 September 2010.
  3. ^ "13th Round of the 1991 MLB June Amateur Draft". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 17 September 2010.
  4. ^ a b c "Baseball All-Star Matt Lawton donates $10,000". Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. 3 September 2004. Archived from the original on 21 August 2010. Retrieved 17 September 2010.
  5. ^ "1992 Gulf Coast League Batting Leaders". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 17 September 2010.
  6. ^ "1993 Midwest League Batting Leaders". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 17 September 2010.
  7. ^ "1994 Award Winners". The Baseball Cube. Retrieved 17 September 2010.
  8. ^ Beaton, Rod (30 August 1994). "AL Notes". USA Today. Retrieved 17 September 2010.
  9. ^ "1994 Florida State League Batting Leaders". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 17 September 2010.
  10. ^ a b c d "Matt Lawton 1995 Batting Gamelogs". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 17 September 2010.
  11. ^ "AFL All-Time Roster". MLB.com. Retrieved 17 September 2010.
  12. ^ "1996 American League Rookie Scouting Report". Baseball Digest. 55 (3). Lakeside Publishing Co. March 1996. ISSN 0005-609X. Retrieved 17 September 2010.
  13. ^ Souhan, Jim (6 May 1996). "Becker continues his hot streak (subscription required)". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on 4 November 2012. Retrieved 17 September 2010.
  14. ^ "Leads Slip Away, Buzz Lose Again Buzz Let the Leads Slip Away (subscription required)". The Salt Lake Tribune. 20 May 1996. Retrieved 17 September 2010.
  15. ^ Reusse, Patick (14 March 1997). "Pulled muscle pulls Anthony to Triple A; Outfielder likely will lose out to injury, energetic Lawton (subscription required)". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on 4 November 2012. Retrieved 19 September 2010.
  16. ^ Souhan, Jim (15 June 1997). "Local boys make good for Twins; Lawton, Robertson produce (subscription required)". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on 4 November 2012. Retrieved 19 September 2010.
  17. ^ Millea, John (25 August 1998). "April and May seem far away; Lawton leaves early-season batting struggles behind him (subscription required)". Star Tribune. Star Tribune. Archived from the original on 4 November 2012. Retrieved 19 September 2010.
  18. ^ Neal III, La Velle E. (14 July 1998). "Lawton is getting better fast (subscription required)". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on 4 November 2012. Retrieved 19 September 2010.
  19. ^ "Lawton smacks grand slam to help Twins pound Yankees (subscription required)". The Deseret News. 10 May 1998. Retrieved 19 September 2010.
  20. ^ Neal III, La Velle E. (19 September 1998). "Lawton hits 20th in loss; Outfielder's homer is only bright spot (subscription required)". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on 4 November 2012. Retrieved 19 September 2010.
  21. ^ Tompkin, Marc (2 September 1998). "Hernandez falters in 10th as Devil Rays fall to Twins". St. Petersburg Times. Retrieved 19 September 2010.
  22. ^ "1998 American League Batting Leaders". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 19 September 2010.
  23. ^ a b c "Lawton heads to arbitration (subscription required)". St. Paul Pioneer Press. 12 February 1999. Retrieved 19 September 2010.
  24. ^ "Tragedy and drama: Twins salvage pit (subscription required)". St. Paul Pioneer Press. 18 April 1999. Retrieved 20 September 2010.
  25. ^ Souhan, Jim (2 April 1999). "Matt Lawton & Todd Walker; Two of a kind (subscription required)". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on 4 November 2012. Retrieved 20 September 2010.
  26. ^ a b Neal III, La Velle E. (29 July 1999). "Lawton seeking comfort zone (subscription required)". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on 4 November 2012. Retrieved 20 September 2010.
  27. ^ Souhan, Jim (21 July 1999). "Lawton casts off unwieldy facemask (subscription required)". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on 4 November 2012. Retrieved 20 September 2010.
  28. ^ a b Neal III, La Velle E. (2 September 1999). "Lawton, fan involved in spitting incident to apologize (subscription required)". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on 4 November 2012. Retrieved 20 September 2010.
  29. ^ Gillespie, Kerry (3 September 1999). "Twins spit spat solved with Lawton's apology". Toronto Star. Retrieved 20 September 2010.
  30. ^ Antonen, Mel (22 March 2000). "Lawton's eye healed, he's ready to dream of big-game hits again". USA Today. Retrieved 20 September 2010.
  31. ^ Carter, Ivan (10 April 2000). "So close, yet so far away: Milton flirts with perfect game before losing it in seventh (subscription required)". The Kansas City Star. Retrieved 20 September 2010.
  32. ^ "Lawton's all-star night is a hit (subscription required)". St. Paul Pioneer Press. 12 July 2000. Retrieved 20 September 2010.
  33. ^ "July 11, 2000 All-Star Game Box Score and Play by Play". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 20 September 2010.
  34. ^ "2000 American League Batting Leaders". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 20 September 2010.
  35. ^ "Major League Player of the Year by Team". The Baseball Cube. Retrieved 20 September 2010.
  36. ^ a b "Lawton leads uneasily (subscription required)". Knight Ridder. 20 February 2001. Archived from the original on 4 November 2012. Retrieved 17 September 2010.
  37. ^ Neal III, La Velle E. (26 February 2001). "Lawton adds muscles; All-Star beefs up, amends hitting philosophy (subscription required)". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on 4 November 2012. Retrieved 20 September 2010.
  38. ^ Souhan, Jim (21 May 2001). "Lawton struggles; He stung one Sunday, but result was an out (subscription required)". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on 4 November 2012. Retrieved 20 September 2010.
  39. ^ "Twins get Reed, give up Lawton". Toledo Blade. Associated Press. 31 July 2001. Retrieved 17 September 2010.
  40. ^ Noble, Marty (2 August 2001). "Lawton Making Outfield Rotation a Jumble". Newsday. Retrieved 17 September 2010.
  41. ^ a b "Matt Lawton 2001 Batting Gamelogs". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 19 September 2010.
  42. ^ "Lawton Taking His Turn at No. 3 (subscription required)". The Record. 9 August 2001. Archived from the original on 4 November 2012. Retrieved 19 September 2010.
  43. ^ a b "Indians sign Lawton, Gutierrez". Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Associated Press. 18 December 2001. Retrieved 17 September 2010.
  44. ^ a b c d e Lorenz, Todd (4 March 2003). "A healthy Lawton looks to rebound". MLB.com. Retrieved 17 September 2010.
  45. ^ "Lawton seals Cleveland comeback". BBC News. BBC Sports. 15 May 2002. Retrieved 20 September 2010.
  46. ^ "Indians' Lawton, Diaz Sidelined". The Washington Post. 19 September 2002. Retrieved 20 September 2010.
  47. ^ Hill, Justice B. (28 September 2002). "MLBeat: Crisp handling pressure". MLB.com. Retrieved 20 September 2010.
  48. ^ Hill, Justice B. (30 January 2003). "Indians Spring training preview: Tribe is short on experience, but long on talent". MLB.com. Retrieved 17 September 2010.
  49. ^ Hill, Justice (30 January 2003). "Indians Spring training rundown: Talent-laden Tribe lacks Major League experience". MLB.com. Retrieved 17 September 2010.
  50. ^ a b Hill, Justice B. (1 April 2003). "Bradley making name for himself". MLB.com. Retrieved 17 September 2010.
  51. ^ a b "Lawton undergoes knee surgery". SportsTicker. CNN/Sports Illustrated. 17 September 2003. Retrieved 20 September 2010.
  52. ^ a b "Baseball Notebook: Tribe's Lawton reports theft from room". The Providence Journal. 6 April 2004.
  53. ^ Castrovince, Anthony (18 April 2004). "Lawton leads with the lumber". MLB.com. Retrieved 20 September 2010.
  54. ^ Hill, Justice B. (10 July 2004). "Westbrook tabbed as AL All-Star". MLB.com. Retrieved 20 September 2010.
  55. ^ "July 13, 2004 All-Star Game Play-By-Play and Box Score". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 20 September 2010.
  56. ^ Greenberg, Jon (7 August 2004). "Lawton saves day for Tribe". MLB.com. Retrieved 20 September 2010.
  57. ^ "2004 American League Batting Leaders". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 20 September 2010.
  58. ^ "Pirates send Rhodes to Indians for Lawton". United Press International. Trib Total Media, Inc. 11 December 2004. Retrieved 19 September 2010.[permanent dead link]
  59. ^ "Pirates Deal Rhodes To Indians For Lawton". SportsNetwork. WSOC Television, Inc. 11 December 2004. Archived from the original on 26 July 2011. Retrieved 19 September 2010.
  60. ^ Molony, Jim (11 December 2004). "Pirates pick up All-Star Lawton". MLB.com. Retrieved 19 September 2010.
  61. ^ Eagle, Ed (23 February 2005). "Lawton ready for big challenge". MLB.com. Retrieved 19 September 2010.
  62. ^ Thesier, Kelly (14 July 2005). "Notes: Lawton shakes off rumors". MLB.com. Retrieved 19 September 2010.
  63. ^ Eagle, Ed (25 July 2005). "Bucs veterans part of trade rumors". MLB.com. Retrieved 19 September 2010.
  64. ^ a b c Muskat, Carrie (31 July 2005). "Cubs acquire Lawton, deal Gerut". MLB.com. Retrieved 18 September 2010.
  65. ^ a b Jasner, Andy (2 August 2005). "Notes: Lawton leads off in debut". MLB.com. Retrieved 18 September 2010.
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