Matthew Thomas Cain, known to baseball fans as Matt Cain, spent his entire Major League Baseball career with the San Francisco Giants. Born on October 1, 1984, in Dothan, Alabama, Cain was drafted by the Giants in the first round of the 2002 MLB Draft. He quickly rose through the minor league ranks, making his major league debut on August 29, 2005, against the Colorado Rockies.
Cain's early years in the majors were marked by his impressive pitching skills, which quickly earned him a spot in the Giants' starting rotation. By 2006, he had established himself as a reliable pitcher, finishing the season with a 13-12 record and a 4.15 ERA. His performance continued to improve, and in 2007, he posted a 3.65 ERA, despite a lack of run support that resulted in a 7-16 win-loss record.
The 2009 season was a turning point for Cain. He earned his first All-Star selection and finished the year with a 14-8 record and a 2.89 ERA. His ability to pitch deep into games and maintain a low ERA made him a valuable asset to the Giants' pitching staff. Cain's success continued into the 2010 season, where he played a crucial role in the Giants' journey to their first World Series title since 1954. During the postseason, Cain was dominant, not allowing an earned run in any of his three starts, which included victories in the National League Division Series, National League Championship Series, and the World Series.
Cain's career reached its peak in 2012. On June 13, he pitched the 22nd perfect game in MLB history against the Houston Astros, striking out 14 batters in a 10-0 victory. This performance was a highlight of his career and solidified his reputation as one of the top pitchers in the league. That same year, Cain was selected as the starting pitcher for the National League in the All-Star Game and finished the season with a 16-5 record and a 2.79 ERA. The Giants went on to win their second World Series title in three years, with Cain contributing significantly throughout the postseason.
Injuries began to take a toll on Cain's performance in the following years. From 2013 onwards, he struggled with various physical setbacks, including elbow and hamstring injuries, which affected his ability to pitch consistently. Despite these challenges, Cain remained a respected figure in the Giants' clubhouse and continued to contribute when healthy.
Cain announced his retirement from professional baseball in September 2017. He made his final start on September 30, 2017, against the San Diego Padres, receiving a standing ovation from the fans at AT&T Park. Over his 13-year career, Cain compiled a 104-118 win-loss record, a 3.68 ERA, and 1,694 strikeouts.
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