Legendary scout Walt Matthews passed away at the age of 79 in April 2014 and, after a bit of a wait, was honored in a big way at Minute Maid Park on Wednesday. His wife, Vicki Mathews, was presented a plaque prior to the game, and Matthews’ 11-year-old grandson, Jaxon, threw out the first pitch. Reid Ryan and Jeff Luhnow partook in the ceremony.
Matthews was with the Astros for 51 years — the longest in franchise history — and scouted Astros legends like Hall of Famer Craig Biggio, Jeff Bagwell and Nolan Ryan.
Astros longtime scout Paul Ricciarini, also part of the ceremony, remembered Matthews as a tremendous influence and evaluator.