Matt Olson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Matt Olson |
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Olson with the Atlanta Braves in 2022
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| Atlanta Braves – No. 28 | |||
| First baseman | |||
| Born: March 29, 1994 Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. |
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| debut | |||
| September 12, 2016, for the Oakland Athletics | |||
| MLB statistics (through 2025 season) |
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| Batting average | .257 | ||
| Hits | 1,155 | ||
| Home runs | 288 | ||
| Runs batted in | 808 | ||
| Teams | |||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||
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Matthew Kent Olson, born on March 29, 1994, is a talented American professional baseball player. He plays as a first baseman for the Atlanta Braves in Major League Baseball (MLB). Before joining the Braves, he played for the Oakland Athletics.
The Athletics chose Olson in the first round of the 2012 MLB draft. He made his big league debut with them in 2016. After six seasons, he moved to the Braves in 2022 and signed a long-term contract. Olson has earned many awards, including three Gold Glove Awards and a Silver Slugger Award. He also led MLB in home runs and RBIs in 2023. He was chosen as an MLB All-Star in 2021, 2023, and 2025.
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Matt Olson's Early Life and Baseball Start
Matt Olson grew up with his parents, Scott and Lee Olson. His dad, Scott, coached Matt and his brother, Zack, in youth baseball. Zack later became a pitcher for the Harvard Crimson team.
Matt went to Parkview High School in Lilburn, Georgia. There, he played both first base and pitcher for the Parkview Panthers. He helped his team win state championships two years in a row, in 2011 and 2012.
During high school, Matt was an amazing player. He had a .431 batting average, hit 45 home runs, and brought in 168 runs batted in (RBIs). He also had a very high fielding percentage, showing he was great at defense. Matt still holds records at Parkview High School for wins and RBIs. In 2019, his uniform number, 21, was retired by the school.
After graduating with honors in 2012, the Oakland Athletics picked Matt in the first round of the 2012 Major League Baseball draft. He had planned to play college baseball at Vanderbilt University. However, he chose to sign with the Athletics instead.
Matt Olson's Professional Baseball Career
Journey Through Minor League Baseball
After signing with the Athletics, Matt Olson began his professional career. He first played for the Arizona League Athletics and the Vermont Lake Monsters in 2012. In his first year, he hit 9 home runs and had 45 RBIs.
In 2013, he played for the Beloit Snappers. He hit 23 home runs and had 93 RBIs that season. The next year, 2014, Olson played for the Stockton Ports. He was one of the top home run hitters in Minor League Baseball, smashing 37 home runs and getting 97 RBIs.
He continued to play in the minor leagues, joining the Midland RockHounds in 2015. In 2016, he played for the Nashville Sounds. During these years, he kept improving his skills and getting ready for the big leagues.
Making His Mark with the Oakland Athletics
Matt Olson joined the Oakland Athletics' main team on September 12, 2016. He played in 11 games that year. In 2017, he split his time between the minor leagues and the Athletics. He hit 24 home runs and had 45 RBIs in just 59 games for Oakland. He even set a rookie record by hitting 13 home runs in September.
In 2018, Olson played in every single game for the Athletics. He hit his first "walk-off" RBI single, which means he got a hit that won the game in the final inning. He also hit his first walk-off home run and his first grand slam that year. Olson finished the season with 29 home runs and 84 RBIs. He also won his first Gold Glove Award for being an excellent defensive first baseman.
Olson started the 2019 season playing in Tokyo, Japan. He had a hand injury that required surgery but returned to play later that season. He continued to show strong defense, earning his second Gold Glove Award.
The 2020 season was shorter due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Even though it was a tough year for many players, Olson still led the Athletics in home runs with 14 and RBIs with 42.
In 2021, Olson had an outstanding season. He led the team in games played, hits, home runs (39), and RBIs (111). He was chosen to play in the 2021 Major League Baseball All-Star Game and even took part in the 2021 Major League Baseball Home Run Derby. He was also a finalist for both the Silver Slugger Award and the Gold Glove Award.
Joining the Atlanta Braves and Setting Records
On March 14, 2022, Matt Olson was traded to the Atlanta Braves. He then signed a big 8-year contract. This was a huge deal for the Braves at the time. He continued to wear his number 28 jersey, which he chose to honor another player, Jeff Francoeur.
In 2022, Olson showed his dedication by playing in all 162 games of the season. Only one other player in MLB did that year!
The 2023 season was incredible for Olson. He was chosen for the 2023 Major League Baseball All-Star Game. On August 10, he hit his 40th home run, setting a new Braves record for how fast a player reached that many home runs. He then hit his 50th home run on September 11, becoming only the second Braves player ever to reach this milestone.
Olson kept breaking records in 2023. He surpassed Andruw Jones's franchise record for most home runs in a season. On September 28, he hit his 54th home run and set a new Braves record for RBIs in a single season, beating Eddie Mathews's old record. After this amazing season, Olson won the National League Silver Slugger Award for first basemen.
In 2025, Olson continued to achieve milestones. On April 19, he got his 1,000th career hit while playing against the Minnesota Twins. He was also selected to be a reserve player for the 2025 Major League Baseball All-Star Game. Towards the end of the 2025 season, Olson received his first Gold Glove Award in the National League, which was his third Gold Glove Award overall.
Matt Olson's Personal Life
Matt Olson married his wife, Nicole, in November 2021. They live in Atlanta, Georgia. Their first son was born in December 2024.
Olson was recognized for his good character and community work. He was the Atlanta Braves' nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award in 2023. He also helps with ReClif, a center that supports people with autism spectrum conditions.
See also
- Atlanta Braves award winners and league leaders
- List of Major League Baseball annual home run leaders
- List of Major League Baseball annual runs batted in leaders
- List of Major League Baseball career home run leaders
- Oakland Athletics award winners and league leaders
