CARDINALS IN THE CLASSROOM FEATURE 02

READING BETWEEN THE LINES WITH MATT CARPENTER

During a 162-game regular-season schedule, Major League Carpenter has been one of the team’s most versatile players players will spend a lot of time on the road. St. Louis during his career, hitting in several different spots in the Cardinals Matt Carpenter has a grueling travel order, although most of them before this year came as schedule that provides a perfect opportunity to pick up a the leadoff hitter. Additionally, last year Carpenter played 40 or good book. more games at three different positions, 1B, 2B and 3B. Some players might struggle in that type of role, but Carpenter has “I enjoy reading,” he says. “I read all the time during the excelled, perhaps employing lessons he learned from one of season, on our flights or at the hotel, so I do read a lot.” his favorite books that endorses the power of self-esteem and Carpenter acknowledges that he and his teammates have faith in your abilities. required reading, such as scouting reports on other teams, “I would say “The Power of Positive Thinking” is one of my but when he’s not reading for work, he enjoys books that help favorite books,” says Carpenter. “I think it has a really good make him a better, more well-rounded person. “I like reading message and a good life philosophy.” books about leadership and I like reading books about Texas history. I’m from Texas so I like stuff like that,” he says. “I like While Carpenter may have used the tips in that book to reading a lot of non-fiction books that help me learn.” reach his goals, he suggests that any book is a good one, regardless of your age. “Reading is important because it’s the Born in Galveston, Texas, Carpenter played college baseball foundation for communication,” he says. “If you don’t read it not too far away from home at Texas Christian University makes it hard to learn what’s going on, know about the latest (TCU) in Fort Worth. At TCU, he broke school records for events and be able to talk about it with other people.” career games played and at-bats, while his career numbers for hits, doubles and walks all ranked No. 2. Following his And for Carpenter, that foundation started as early as he can collegiate career, the Cardinals drafted Carpenter in 2009. remember. “My mom used to read ‘Where the Wild Things Are’ by Maurice Sendak to me, but the first book that I read He made his major league debut in 2011 after being named the cover to cover is called ‘The Kid Who Only Homers’ by organization’s Player of the Year in 2010. Carpenter had only Matt Christopher. It just rings a bell,” he recalls. In that book, a limited role during the team’s World championship the main character is a boy named Sylvester, a struggling season in 2011, but he was sixth in the Rookie of the Year little league baseball player who finds his way with the help of voting in 2012 after batting .294 in 114 games that season. The an encouraging fan, who may be magical. The young batter three-time National League All-Star, in 2013, 2014 and 2016, becomes a star with the help of his new friend and, perhaps, entered this season with a career batting average of .284. In a little hard work and a renewed self-confidence. 2013, he led the league in runs, doubles and hits, becoming the first in Cardinals history to win the Silver written by Mike Kern Slugger Award. That season he broke Stan Musial’s record for doubles in a season with 55.

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