Rob Maaddi, FISM News
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Matt Carpenter has turned into a modern-day version of Babe Ruth since putting on the New York Yankees’ navy pinstripes.
A three-time All-Star with the Cardinals, Carpenter was a free agent after spending his first 11 seasons in St. Louis. He was released from the Texas Rangers’ minor league system in May and found a new home in the Bronx.
“Putting on the uniform and playing for the Yankees is pretty special,” Carpenter said.
The sweet-swinging lefty slugger has been bashing homers like the Babe ever since his arrival.
Carpenter clubbed eight homers among his first 12 hits. His emergence has forced Yankees manager Aaron Boone to find ways to insert him into the lineup. A career infielder, Carpenter played right field for the final inning in Sunday’s game. It was his first appearance in the outfield since 2014.
Carpenter was a late addition to the starting lineup as the designated hitter in a 5-2 loss at Pittsburgh on Tuesday night. He had two more hits, raising his batting average to .304. Both stayed in the park this time. Carpenter got the start when first baseman Anthony Rizzo was scratched with back stiffness.
“He’s been just a great pro about how he’s prepared, whether it’s standing in on bullpens, the work he’s doing, the connection he’s made with all the guys in that room,” Boone said. “When preparation and a talented guy meet up, good things happen.”
The Yankees haven’t received much production from outfielders Joey Gallo and Aaron Hicks. The 36-year-old Carpenter could see more time out there if he stays hot. Yankees fans are all over social media demanding more at-bats for him.
Carpenter’s power stroke isn’t a surprise to those who saw him smack a career-best 36 homers in 2018. That number dipped to 15 in 2019. Carpenter already has more homers this season than he hit in 2020-21 combined when he had seven in 347 at-bats.
“I think he worked really hard to make some subtle adjustments over the offseason,” Boone said. “I think he took that into spring training, felt good about it, was doing really well in Triple-A and he likes putting this uniform on, too. I think having his talent, the hitter he is, some of the adjustments and mechanical things he’s changed—albeit probably subtle ones—and then I think walking in with this group and being part of this team, I think we’re seeing a rejuvenated guy.”
Carpenter, one of the few major leaguers who don’t wear batting gloves, is sporting a different look with the Yankees. He’s rocking a mustache instead of a long beard because of the Yankees’ long-standing policy that prohibits beards.
“My kids didn’t recognize me when I walked out of the bathroom,” Carpenter told reporters after joining the Yankees. “I have a 5-year-old and a 6-year-old, and they’ve never seen me without a beard. It’s a little different.”
Carpenter, who went to Texas Christian University, leaned on his faith when he had elbow surgery during college.
“At that point in my life, baseball was probably at the top of the list,” Carpenter told Faith On The Field Show. “But when you have something taken away from you, it really opens up your eyes to what’s really important, and it took me leaning on my faith to get to the point where I could play the game again. It opened up my eyes that baseball is only going to be here for so long, but that relationship (with Jesus) is eternal.”
Carpenter grew up going to church in a Christian household. Like many believers, he grew in his faith journey over time.
“It’s the foundation of what my life is all about,” he said. “As a kid, you’re in church mainly because your parents tell you. But as you grow older, your relationship starts to develop, and you see a deeper meaning to life through Jesus.”