SF Giants star turned coach sees himself in infielder Casey Schmitt
The SF Giants new third base coach Matt Williams has a twin in the clubhouse, according to those around the league. Giants' prospect Casey Schmitt is getting lots of similarities drawn to the former Giants' infielder, Williams, who was brought over from the Padres with new manager Bob Melvin. Schmitt joined KNBR radio to discuss at Spring Training in Arizona.
"Those of us that remember Matt Williams' career, it's eerie, the parallels..." said KNBR's Brian Murphy in a conversation with Schmitt. "A third baseman with soft hands who can play a little short also, a guy with some natural power, and a guy who's got all the talent and prospects in the world, who just has a little bit of an adjustment period in the big leagues, and it's you, and it's him."
Williams was drafted by the New York Mets in 1983 before declining the opportunity to turn pro to attend UNLV instead. In 1986, he was selected by the Giants with the third-overall pick, and made his MLB debut the very next year. He spent 10 seasons in San Francisco, during which he racked up four All-Star nods, three Gold Glove awards and three Silver Slugger awards. After leaving San Francisco, he earned each accolade one more time, and won a world series with the Arizona Diamondbacks before retiring at the age of 37.
"He's told me that he's seen... himself in me. So that's really cool to, kinda get that comparison," Schmitt told KNBR. Schmitt, who was drafted in the second round of the 2020 draft out of San Diego State University. He big-league debut last season and got off to a hot start in the majors. However, he played 90 MLB games, taking 253 at bats and slashing .206/.256/.324, substantially lower than his output in the minor leagues.
Williams too, struggled in the majors for his first few seasons, batting .188/.240/.339 in his rookie year, and not taking the next big step until his fourth season in the league, when he earned his first All-Star nod. Further, both have fielding abilities that are never in much doubt. Ultimately, things worked out for Williams professionally much like the SF Giants are hoping it will with Schmitt.
