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ANAHEIM -- Gary Matthews Jr. is strongly devoted to family but he's equally motivated by winning, and both values neatly dovetailed in his decision to sign with the Angels.

Seated at a luncheon for an informal introduction to the media Wednesday afternoon, Matthews explained his desire to be near his son, Gavin, and his parents while being a part of an organization he believes can go all the way.

Matthews talked into the late hours a week ago with his dad, Gary Matthews, a Major Leaguer who enjoyed a 16-year career. On the table was a five-year, $50 million deal, and the senior Matthews was able to add the perspective that only a father can.

"He was telling me that you can have all the money in the world, but if you're going to be somewhere and you're losing ballgames, you're not going to be happy. Just having an opportunity to win is really what this game is all about," Matthews said. "At the end of it, you've taken care of your family and taken care of some personal goals that you had in this game, but if you haven't won that championship, you sort of feel empty at the end of your career. I sort of see that in my father.

"He had a long career and played this game for a long time and was successful and put up numbers, but he never talked about any of that. He talked about not winning a championship. That had a lot to do with coming here. That was definitely a part of it, knowing this organization has a chance to win for years to come with its young pitching and bullpen and the offensive players we have here. I'm just really looking forward to winning."

Dad came close. He was on the 1983 Phillies that lost in five games to the Orioles in the World Series. The following year, his Cubs were up two games to none on the Padres in the National League Championship Series, only to have San Diego rally to win three straight games en route to their first NL pennant.


Gary Matthews Jr. admires his new Angels jersey during a luncheon with the media. (Chris Carlson/AP)

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