Free Agent Matt Holliday is trying to support his family during his unemployment. He's currently filling out applications with the MLB for a permanent position in the spring and at Best Buy for seasonal help.
This Thanksgiving will be a somber one for the family of Cardinal free agent, Matt Holliday. Holliday recently reached free agency this November and is currently looking for a position within his skill set in Major League Baseball.
“It’s gonna be a tough year. With this economy, you just have to hope for the best. It was great to find a position with the Cardinals, even though I knew going in it was going to be temporary.” Holliday said while flipping through the weekly help wanted ads. “It’s great to add National League Central Champion to my resume. Hopefully that will get me some looks from some organizations.” While Holliday remains hopeful, sources say that the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and the New York Yankees have already stated that they will be passing up Holliday for other applicants.
“He’s a great player and all, he just didn’t really have the qualities we were looking for in an applicant,” said Yankee’s GM Brian Cashman, “Plus we’re trying to find placed for Hideki Matsui and Johnny Damon. Those two have been with the organization for a while now and we’re big on employee loyalty. We just couldn’t really find it in our hearts to let one of those guys go after what they’ve done for us this past year. I’m not gonna look one of those two in the eye and tell them that we’re bringing in someone else to do their job. Come on man, it’s the holidays.”
Holliday says that he is thankful for his family who have been extremely supportive throughout the entire ordeal. “We’re gonna stand behind Matt through this tough time. He’s done a lot to support his family and we support his career choice,” said Holliday’s wife Leslee in a statement issued last week. The life of a baseball player can often be a difficult one, with travel being routinely required, contracts usually only lasting a few years, and a lot of teams issuing performance based incentives. “He’s worked hard to get to this position in his career, and while it’s tough for a family to have a member unemployed during these hard economic times, me and Matt will be a united front and I’m confident that our family will make it through this.”
The Hollidays are currently living off of their savings. Matt was fortunate enough to hold a position with the Oakland Athletics and the St. Louis Cardinals this past year and made 11.5 million dollars between the 08 and 09 seasons. “That’s gonna help us get through this. I was fortunate enough to put some of that money back into savings so I’m confident that even though things may be tight. We’ll make it,” said Holliday.
Holliday said he has considered taking other positions since the tough economy makes finding a job hard these days. “I have thought of taking a position in maybe right field, or as a medical assistant or middle management somewhere. I know I just have to be flexible.” Holliday maintains the fact that he would like to stay in the MLB. “I know it’s hard to get back into the industry if you make a career change, so I’m hoping something opens up. So far the only team I’ve seen taking out help-wanted ads are the Baltimore Orioles and I’m just not sure that’s a place I want to work,” said Holliday.
Holliday said he hopes to get signed soon. “I just can’t bare to look my family in the eyes and tell them that we only have about $500,000 to spend on Christmas this year. That’s not something a father ever wants to do.”
If you would like to help this family during their time of need, donations can be sent to:
St. Louis Cardinals’ Free Agent Fund
100 S 4th St
Saint Louis, MO 63102
Fredbird Follys 