Matt Capps
When I asked Matt Capps about his earliest ballpark memory, it wasn’t about the game—it was about family. That theme kept popping up, from watching Dale Murphy at Fulton County Stadium with his dad, to standing on the field at Nationals Park feeling the weight of patriotism, to chasing a lifelong dream that led him to PNC Park and the All-Star Game. Matt gets what makes a ballpark sacred. It’s not just the field or the skyline—it’s how a place makes you feel. Talking to him reminded me that baseball is never just about baseball. It’s about connection.
Okay. All right. Matt Capps, former major league pitcher—what do you remember your first experience being like at a major league baseball stadium? And how special was it?
Very special because it was with my dad. I was probably four, five, six, going to Fulton County Stadium in Atlanta, where I grew up, watching the Braves play. Dale Murphy was my hero, my idol, and we were sitting along the right-field line. My eyes were probably locked on Dale Murphy the entire game.
I also remember getting lost after a game—my grandmother’s neighbor, Roger, drove her down to visit and got lost leaving the stadium. We circled that place for what felt like hours in the rain. No cell phones. It was just: "How are we gonna find him?" But we eventually did.
Just in general, what makes the ballpark experience special for a fan, just in your experiences as a player, broadcaster, and dad?
Without a doubt, it’s the people. Whether it’s the ushers, concession stand folks, press-dining staff—how they treat you matters most. One of the sayings I share with my kids: People may forget what you said, but they’ll always remember how you made them feel. A ballpark can do that. It’s not just the place—it’s how it makes you feel when you walk in.
All right, let’s talk about Nats Park. What’s it like pitching there?
Very patriotic, as it should be in DC. Red, white, and blue everywhere. They honor the troops and Wounded Warriors every game. You could stand in the press box and see the Capitol out in left field—it made it feel bigger than just baseball. That city grew up around the ballpark. When I first got there, the stadium felt wide open, and now it's surrounded by life.
Did you try to take in the history of baseball in Washington?
Yeah. President Obama threw out a first pitch when I was there. He came into the clubhouse, talked to every one of us individually. Secret Service cleared our lockers—took all the bats and balls away! It was a reminder: You’re playing a game, and here’s the most powerful person in the country taking time to be part of it.
The anthem always felt more powerful in DC too. Players took more pride in standing out there. It wasn’t just a box to check—it meant something.
Let’s talk about PNC Park. What is magical about that place to you?
It’s the first big-league stadium I wore a uniform in—like your first love. I'd never even been to PNC until I made it to the majors. I spent over four years there. Even now, broadcasting games, I still think it’s the prettiest ballpark on the planet—the rivers, the skyline, the bridges. Just breathtaking.
There’s something about seeing Pittsburgh's cityscape open up over the outfield... It makes you feel like you’re part of something special.
Can you tell me about the moment you found out you were an All-Star in 2010?
I was in DC. Jim Riggleman and Mike Rizzo called me into the manager’s office. They told me I was voted in by my peers. I was overwhelmed—just overwhelmed. It was the first season after my dad passed away. I thought of my dad immediately—how my earliest baseball memory was going to a game with him. I called my wife, Jen. I called my mom—and I just lost it, standing in the dugout, tears streaming down my face.
Those memories... I’ll carry them forever.
And you pitched in the All-Star Game?
Capps: I did. Relieved Roy Halladay. I wasn't even fully warmed up—Charlie Manuel called for the righty, and next thing you know, I'm jogging across the outfield. I faced David Ortiz—fell behind 2-0, stepped off, and had a little talk with myself: “Either get beat or beam him. But let’s go.” Ended up striking him out. Brian McCann—my buddy from Georgia—hit a two-RBI double right after, and we held on to win.
I was the winning pitcher. Broxton got the save. McCann got the MVP. All three Georgia boys. Pretty cool day.
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More from Matt Capps
NOTE: The above was edited for clarity and length.
You can read the full transcript here.