Matt Harvey

Matt Harvey is an American former professional baseball pitcher who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for nine seasons. Known for his dominant early career with the New York Mets, he was a National League (NL) All-Star in 2013 and famously started the 2013 All-Star Game at Citi Field. His career, marked by significant early promise, was later impacted by injuries and off-field challenges.

Early life and amateur career

Matt Edward Harvey was born in New London, Connecticut, and attended Fitch Senior High School in Groton, Connecticut. A standout athlete, he was selected by the Los Angeles Angels in the third round of the 2007 Major League Baseball draft but chose to honor his commitment to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Playing for the North Carolina Tar Heels, he was a key pitcher in the team's runs to the College World Series in 2008 and 2009. His performance in the Atlantic Coast Conference and in collegiate summer leagues like the Cape Cod Baseball League solidified his status as a top prospect.

Professional baseball career

Harvey was selected seventh overall by the New York Mets in the 2010 Major League Baseball draft and made his MLB debut in 2012. He quickly emerged as an ace, earning the nickname "The Dark Knight" and finishing fourth in Cy Young Award voting in 2013 after posting a 2.27 ERA. He missed the entire 2014 season following Tommy John surgery and returned in 2015 to help lead the Mets to the World Series, memorably starting NLCS Game 1 and World Series Game 5. After struggles and a trade to the Cincinnati Reds in 2018, he pitched for the Los Angeles Angels, Kansas City Royals, and Baltimore Orioles. His MLB career concluded in 2021, and he later pitched briefly in independent baseball for the Long Island Ducks and in Mexico for the Acereros de Monclova.

Pitching style and player profile

At his peak, Harvey was a power pitcher known for a high-velocity fastball that regularly reached the upper 90s (mph), complemented by a sharp slider and a effective curveball. His aggressive approach on the mound and competitive demeanor drew comparisons to past aces like Roger Clemens. His style was built on attacking hitters with premium velocity and generating swings and misses, particularly with his breaking pitches. Following his surgeries, his velocity diminished, and he relied more on command and a diversified arsenal, including a changeup.

Personal life

Harvey's personal life has drawn significant media attention. He has been linked to several high-profile figures, including model Anne Vyalitsyna. In 2022, he was named in the Los Angeles Angels employee Eric Kay's trial concerning the overdose death of Los Angeles Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs, testifying about his own past use of oxycodone and cocaine. He has spoken publicly about the pressures of playing in New York City and his subsequent struggles after injuries.

Career statistics and awards

Over his nine MLB seasons, Harvey compiled a 50–66 record with a 4.42 ERA, 867 strikeouts, and 15 complete games across 172 starts. His most notable season was 2013, when he was an All-Star, led the NL in FIP (2.01), and finished with a 9–5 record and a 2.27 ERA. He received NL Outstanding Pitcher honors from his peers that year. Harvey also pitched in eight postseason games, including two World Series starts for the New York Mets in 2015, recording a 3.04 ERA in the playoffs.

Category:American baseball pitchers Category:New York Mets players Category:Major League Baseball All-Stars