• MATTY

  • An Evening with Christy Mathewson
  • By: Eddie Frierson
  • Narrated by: Eddie Frierson
  • Length: 2 hrs and 28 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (23 ratings)

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MATTY  By  cover art

MATTY

By: Eddie Frierson
Narrated by: Eddie Frierson
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Publisher's summary

The script for the universally acclaimed one person play written by Eddie Frierson and based on the life and writings of Baseball Hall of Fame and New York Giants Pitching legend Christy Mathewson.

In a time when Giants walked the earth and roamed the Polo Grounds, none was more honored than the great Christy Mathewson - the quiet, educated man who lifted the then rowdy world of baseball into gentlemanliness. A scholar, athlete and soldier, Mathewson was the man who changed the game of baseball and the course of our nation in the first decade of the last century.

MATTY was produced by Black Bags Three Productions and performed by Eddie Frierson in Times Square at the Lambs Theatre in 1996. It was directed by Kerrigan Mahan. Eddie Frierson continues to perform the show around the country.

©1996 Eddie Frierson (P)2014 Eddie Frierson

What listeners say about MATTY

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Just Batty for Matty

Where does MATTY rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is the number one audiobook I have ever listened to! Ok, this is the first audiobook I've ever listened to but I was pleasantly surprised. I love to read and did not think I would like to hear someone else's voice in my head. But I really did! Not only is Frierson's voice easy on the ears, his obvious love for his subject matter is a feel good thing to be around.

What did you like best about this story?

The warmth and humor he brought to the plate was like curling up with a warm & fussy. I felt like I had gone back in time to a kinder, gentler world.

Have you listened to any of Eddie Frierson’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have never heard Eddie Frierson on tape before.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I loved hearing him go from one personality to another.

Any additional comments?

A must see/hear for baseball fans and a feel good for anyone who needs to de-stress from today's too harried world.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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You don't even have to be a baseball fan

What was one of the most memorable moments of MATTY?

Actually, it was a series of moments: John McGraw's relationship with Christy Mathewson. McGraw was awed by NObody. Until Matty.

Which character – as performed by Eddie Frierson – was your favorite?

Charley "Victory" Faust. When I saw this show in New York, Frierson imbued Faust with so many visual quirks that I wondered if it was going to work as well on audio. It does.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I DID listen to it in one sitting.

Any additional comments?

Like the recording of Hal Holbrook's "Mark Twain Tonight," this one's a keeper. It's also a worthy competitor to Mark Harris' "The Southpaw," which I still think is the best novel ever written.

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A perfect game

Who was your favorite character and why?

Charlie Faust, because he exemplifies the pure spirit of the time.

What about Eddie Frierson’s performance did you like?

The distinct voices that matched the characters.

Any additional comments?

A great story with drama, humor and ultimately, tragedy.

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Baseball, like life is a very funny proposition..

Would you consider the audio edition of MATTY to be better than the print version?

Having never read the printed version, I can only say that I am delighted to have had this be my first opportunity. Listening to the amazing dexterity, complexity, and variety of Eddie Frierson, along with the depth of research in writing and compiling of dialogue and historical relevance, Frierson's ability to bring humor and poignancy while in no way sacrificing the message was indeed a rare treat and wonderful introduction to both Matty and Mr. Frierson.

What other book might you compare MATTY to and why?

There is a powerful and wonderful correlation between athletics and life: being part of a team and working together, playing clean and fair, attention to the minutest details, practice and practice again, raising up the underdog, putting on your game-face, not letting your opponent see you sweat, giving it all you've got on the mound, not losing your moral backbone and compass even in the moment or heavy persuasion so that you stay true to yourself as well as have something significant to leave with your fans, there is your legacy. Because of this the books that come to mind are by the legend Coach John Wooden, "Coach Wooden's Pyramid of Success: Building Blocks for a Better Life" and "Wooden: A Lifetime of Observations and Reflections on and off the Court"

Have you listened to any of Eddie Frierson’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is the first recording by Eddie Frierson that I have listened to. Having listened to at least a 100 other books on tape, I feel I can fairly state that his energetic, quick witted, distinct ability to jump from one character to the next without any hint of residue was excellent and fantastic. This made listening to his performance a thoroughly enjoyable and memorable event.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I did listen to this in one sitting , as each character, each moment left me wanting to know what they and I would experience and express next.

Any additional comments?

Life is a very funny preposition after all. Being gentle, and kind, and humble with the hands that are holding you, is a beautiful message. To do anything well, to do anything which causes people to stop and look at themselves and want to be better in some way is a powerful thing. Matty did just this,

“Christy Mathewson brought something to baseball no one else had ever given the game. He handed the game a certain touch of class, an indefinable lift in culture, brains, and personality.’” – Grantland Rice

His sense of justice, his integrity, and sportsmanship made him far greater than Christy Mathewson the pitcher.” – Kenesaw Mountain Landis

Thank you Audible in recognizing the importance of this man as well as the excellence of performance and writing by Eddie Frierson, needing recognition to come where recognition was due. Clearly a journey of love and passion, well done! Congratulations!

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Great Experience

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I will absolutely recommend this to friends. The book flowed very well. I could really feel like I was seated in the audience of the live show.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Matty is an exceptional man. He's in the Baseball Hall of Fame but should be in Life's Hall of Fame as well!

Have you listened to any of Eddie Frierson’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No this was my first experience listing to Mr. Frierson but it certainly will not be my last.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Matty the Legend Comes Alive.

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Great fun! Well worth the listen. Super voices!

What did you love best about MATTY?

Very unique recreation of the past ... the stories were told by the players and participants themselves :)

Who was your favorite character and why?

Enjoyed the story about Charlie. But of course, my favorite character was Christy Mathewson himself.

Which scene was your favorite?

Each scene was unique in its own way.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I was touched at many points by the poignant messages subtly shared by the many characters

Any additional comments?

Loved the brevity and enthusiasm of the audiobook. Very, very well performed.

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Hey People! Who's the looney now?!

If you could sum up MATTY in three words, what would they be?

Greatest story ever.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved everything about this story, but my absolute favorite part is about Charlie Faust. Charlie's love of the game, innocence, and genuine sincerity is infectious. When he finally gets to play ball, the tears roll every time.

What about Eddie Frierson’s performance did you like?

I love all of the different characters and personalities that Eddie brings to life.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

If you do not have a reaction to this book, you are not human. Personally, I laughed and cried throughout the entire book. The stories and emotions that each character evokes makes you feel like you are right there experiencing life with them.

Any additional comments?

I would recommend this highly entertaining and moving book about the life of Christy Mathewson, not only the greatest, but the best looking pitcher in the history of baseball. I have been fortunate to have seen the play this book is based on six times and was able to visualize the story as I listened to it, which made it that much better. I never miss an opportunity to see the play and would highly recommend seeing it to anyone.

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Listener received this title free

A very heartfelt story

I enjoyed the storyline. The history behind each hero and icon. I would definitely recommend this to our local fine arts depts. and summer theatre programs. The story takes you back to the purest of times in baseball history. As noted; there are good & bad memories in all of us of which the economy and illnesses may play a specific role within the future of our lives & our successes.

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Fascinating story and great performance

I found Eddie Frierson's story captivating - I was transfixed. His buttery baritone narration and '"cast of thousands" kept me wanting to hear more about Matthewson and the charming characters in his orbit. The numerous accents and voices truly made me question whether or not this was really a one-man show. The voices were all so distinct and intriguing that I downloaded books from other authors that were also narrated by Frierson.

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Matty... A Home Run Story and Performance

The story and themes are well worth learning about. Everyone should live their life like Matty.
The performance was excellent and keeps you engaged. I thought I was listening to multiple people. I highly recommend this audiobook and look forward to seeing the live performance.

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