In 2002, Matheny served as an inspirational leader for the Cardinals, helping the team to cope with the sudden death of pitcher Darryl Kile while still reaching the National League Championship Series. Matheny was voted by his teammates as the first recipient of the "Darryl Kile Award" in 2003 - an award that goes annually to the Cardinals player who best demonstrates the qualities that Kile brought to the clubhouse every day: "those of a good teammate, a great friend, a fine father and a humble man."

As a philanthropist, Matheny and his wife Kristin formed The Catch 22 Foundation in 2003 with the primary goal of enriching the lives of disadvantaged youth by providing opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable to them. The earliest projects of the foundation included handicapped-accessible baseball fields.

The first field was completed in 2005, and after more than 20 years in operation, the foundation has helped to build three baseball fields and two playgrounds that are accessible to children of all abilities. The Catch 22 Foundation has also provided support to organizations such as the Fanconi Anemia Foundation, St. John's Mercy Medical Center, GO Ministries, Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital, Little Patriots, United Services for Children, SEALKIDS and many more.
 
Matheny wrote and published The New York Times bestselling book titled The Matheny Manifesto in 2015 and his second book, The Dad Coach, was released in March 2025, while also continuing to deliver impactful keynote addresses and working with executives on leadership coaching.
 
In early 2024, Matheny experienced a life-altering health scare when he was rushed to the hospital and diagnosed with a subarachnoid hemorrhage. Doctors told him half the people with that diagnosis never make it to the hospital, a third who make it to the hospital never leave, and another third suffer permanent brain damage. Matheny avoided all those.
 
In an episode on the "Get in the Game" podcast, Matheny underscored the essential role his faith plays in his life. "I don't believe that I'm immune to life because I'm a follower of Jesus Christ, but what I am going to tell you is that I'm the recipient of a peace, I'm the recipient of a grace and a goodness and a love that I don't deserve, that shows its face so much more in these times of things that we don't want going on," he said on the podcast.

Matheny continued, "I want the pictures of my life and the words that I say and the words of God's truth, I want there to be synergy there. I want those to match up. I believe that's probably the best testimony you can share with somebody."

The Second Annual Night of Champions will bring sports fans together, as St. Louis Cardinals legendary catcher Mike Matheny headlines the 2025 event on Friday, August 8 at 7 p.m., courtesy of lead sponsor Cannon GMC Buick of Cleveland.

"We are delighted to welcome Mike Matheny as our guest and featured speaker for our upcoming Night of Champions event," said Director of Athletics Mike Kinnison. "I feel our Delta State patrons and supporters will enjoy hearing his insight and experience. It promises to be an enjoyable night as he shares his life experiences in all these areas."

The MLB veteran appeals to a myriad of interests in which all Delta State sports fans will appreciate, including professional baseball player and manager, philanthropist, believer, author, and youth sports advocate.

Matheny is most notably known for his time behind the dish with the Cardinals from 2000-04 where he was a three-time Gold Glove recipient, adding another in 2005 while catching for the San Francisco Giants. He later began his managing career with his former team, the Cardinals, from 2011-2018, followed by a stint with the Kansas City Royals from 2020-22.

Matheny, the philanthropist, formed The Catch 22 Foundation in 2003, alongside his wife, Kristin, with the primary goal of enriching the lives of disadvantaged youth by providing opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable to them. A two-time author, Matheny wrote and published the New York Times bestselling book The Matheny Manifesto in 2015. His second book, The Dad Coach, was released in March 2025.

For sponsorship opportunities, contact Kel Lange, Athletic Development Officer, at 662-846-4300.

Stay tuned to gostatesmen.com for more information on Mike Matheny and A Night of Champions.