Cubs of Yore: Matt Murton

Nickname: Thunder

Played for The Cub: 2005-2008

Random Write-up: Obviously, we have a soft spot in our hearts for dear Thunder. Shit, need I direct you to the title of this very page? It was a sad, sad day 'round these parts when he no longer donned the blue and white, but you already knew that. Murton broke onto the scene in aught five, coming on late in the season, being very un-Dusty like - showing patience at the plate and going about his job like a professional. Skeptics cried foul, surely his robust .321 average was only a product of a small sample size. Never one to be fueled by his critics, Thunder nonetheless put up a beauty of a 2006 season, when he finally got some steady playing time and put up a .297/13/62.

Expectations were high, trophies were handed out, babies were kissed, backs were slapped...and then Lou came to town. Gone was his steady playing time. Gone were the chants of "THUNDER MATT" from the bleachers. All of that was forced to yield to people named Alfonso and Cliff. True to form, the stoic and ginger-headed gentleman never complained, even when he was sent back down to Des Moines. 2008 was more of the same, with Murton being relegated to pinch hitting duties and an occasional spot start. It was just the wrong time. In an era still smelling of pharmaceuticals and backne, there wasn't much room for line drive hitting outfielders. Murton was shipped to Oakland, and just like that, up and vanished like a fart in the wind.

What the hell?: Murton was actually a first round pick of the Red Sox in 2003 after playing college ball at Georgia Tech, coming to the Cubs along with Nomar Garciaparra in 2004. Who would have guessed that Murton was the one that would end up having the greater impact on the team? (Chip Wesley, that's who).

On August 3rd, 2006, you probably remember exactly where you were and what you were doing. Murton tied a Major League record by hitting 4 doubles in one game against the Arizona Diamondbacks in what would be forever known as "The Murton Game".

Was named a Freshman All American by Baseball America in 2001 for Georgia Tech.

10 Murton Urban Legends:

• Matt Murton caused the housing crisis
• The rug doesn't match the drapes.
• Had the hottest selling jersey on eBay in August of 2006.
• Had to shave Mike Remlinger's back as a rookie.
• Avid collector of the now defunct Yugo automobiles.
  
• Last statement as a Cub was "If you can only see one movie for the rest of your life, it should be Mickey Blue Eyes"
• Was nicknamed "Clown Pubes" at Georgia Tech.
• Boyhood idol was World B. Free
• Shouted "Skeet skeet!" after every line-drive hit.
  
• He reads Thundermatt.com daily.