MATTY

An Evening with Christy Mathewson

By: Eddie Frierson

Narrated by: Eddie Frierson

Length: 2 hrs and 28 mins

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

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.

Great job Mr. Mathewson!

Mr. Frierson (or Mr, Mathewson) does an excellent job bringing you back to early 1900’s baseball. Felt like I was sitting across from Matty as he was telling me his stories.

A home run!

A wonderful true story written and told by Eddie Frierson. To have the book's author also narrate, the audience is treated to the many characters brought to life as they were meant to be. The story itself is one of winning, losing and the triumph of the American spirit!

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.

A great trip to a forgotten time

Didn't want the story to end. Reminds us of when they played the game just because they loved it. Loved how Mr Frierson brought the different personalities to life.

It's a great evening spent!

This was not only a great listen, but a story with heart and lessons that carry true even today. Eddie Frierson brings each character to life. I feel like I got to know the great, Christy Matthewson', but not just like reading hiss biography - but actually hanging out with Christy as he takes a look at his life. He is humble, honest and reflective. Enjoyed it and have already suggested it to my brother.

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.

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.

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.

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.