Matt Harvey

Early Life and Background

Matthew Edward Harvey was born on March 27, 1989, in New London, Connecticut, and raised in nearby Mystic. He is the youngest of three children born to Ed and Jackie Harvey, both educators. His father, a former collegiate athlete, played baseball and football at the University of Connecticut and participated in the 1972 College World Series. Harvey's early exposure to sports, particularly baseball, was influenced by his father's athletic background. He attended Fitch Senior High School in Groton, Connecticut, where he excelled in both baseball and basketball. As a high school freshman, he was able on a few occasions to throw as fast as 90 mph. Harvey also played summer baseball for numerous travel teams across the country, including the South Florida Bandits, the Midland Redskins, and the East Coast Grays. As a high school senior, he was selected as a Rawlings First Team All-American and named to their Northeast All-Region First Team. He was grouped with Madison Bumgarner and Rick Porcello as one of the best pitchers in the 2007 MLB draft and a likely first-round pick. However, he fell to the Los Angeles Angels in the third round with the 118th overall pick, likely due to his lack of command. As the Angels offered only a $1 million signing bonus, Harvey took the advice of his advisors and opted to sign with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill instead. 

Collegiate Career

At the University of North Carolina, Harvey majored in sports administration and became a key pitcher for the Tar Heels. Over his collegiate career, he compiled a 22–7 record with a 3.73 ERA and 263 strikeouts, ranking ninth all-time in strikeouts and tenth in wins in UNC history. During the summers of 2008 and 2009, he pitched for the Chatham Anglers in the Cape Cod Baseball League, where he honed his skills and developed a more professional approach to the game. 

Professional Career

New York Mets (2012–2018)

Harvey was selected seventh overall by the New York Mets in the 2010 MLB Draft. He made his major league debut on July 26, 2012, against the Arizona Diamondbacks, setting a Mets record with 11 strikeouts in his debut game. He also became the first player in modern baseball history to strike out 10 or more batters and record two hits in his MLB debut. 

In 2013, Harvey emerged as one of baseball's premier pitchers, earning an All-Star selection and starting the All-Star Game at Citi Field. He finished the season with a 9–5 record, a 2.27 ERA, and 191 strikeouts in 178.1 innings. However, his season was cut short due to a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, leading to Tommy John surgery and causing him to miss the entire 2014 season.

Harvey returned in 2015, helping lead the Mets to the World Series. He posted a 13–8 record with a 2.71 ERA during the regular season and delivered strong performances in the postseason, including a memorable start in Game 5 of the World Series. 

Subsequent seasons were marred by injuries and off-field issues. In 2016, he was diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome, requiring season-ending surgery. In 2017, he suffered a stress fracture in his scapula and faced a three-day suspension for violating team rules. His performance declined, leading to a demotion to the bullpen in 2018 and eventually a trade to the Cincinnati Reds. 

Later Career (2018–2021)

Harvey's tenure with the Reds was followed by stints with the Los Angeles Angels, Kansas City Royals, and Baltimore Orioles. His performance during these years was inconsistent, with injuries and diminished velocity impacting his effectiveness. In 2021, while with the Orioles, he made 28 starts, recording a 6–14 record with a 6.27 ERA.

International Play and Retirement

In 2023, Harvey represented Italy in the World Baseball Classic, posting a 1.29 ERA over two starts.Despite his efforts, he did not receive offers from MLB teams and announced his retirement from professional baseball on May 5, 2023.

Career Statistics

• Win–loss record: 50–66

• Earned run average (ERA): 4.42

• Strikeouts: 867

• Innings pitched: 966.1

• Teams played for: New York Mets, Cincinnati Reds, Los Angeles Angels, Kansas City Royals, Baltimore Orioles

Personal Life

Harvey, nicknamed "The Dark Knight" by fans and media, was known for his confident demeanor and high-profile lifestyle during his early career. He appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated and was featured in ESPN The Magazine's "Body Issue." Harvey's personal life attracted media attention, including relationships with fashion models and appearances at celebrity events. 

In 2022, during the trial concerning the death of former teammate Tyler Skaggs, Harvey testified about his own drug use and admitted to providing Skaggs with opioids. As a result, MLB suspended him for 60 games for violating the league's drug policy. 

Legacy

Matt Harvey's career serves as a testament to the highs and lows of professional sports. From his meteoric rise as the Mets' ace to the challenges that followed, his journey reflects both the potential and pitfalls faced by elite athletes. Despite the setbacks, Harvey's impact on the game, particularly during his early years, remains a significant chapter in MLB history.