Wednesday September 3, 2025 was a big day for San Francisco Giants star third baseman Matt Chapman, and not just because of his on-field performance.
It also marked the first time he had opened up to the media about his life with Tourette syndrome.
In an interview with Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle, who has covered Chapman since he was in Oakland with the Athletics, Chapman opened up about what living with Tourette’s means for him, from the bullying he experienced as a child to what his tics look like to how he’s learned to embrace the diagnosis.
Slusser also talked to Chapman’s father Jim and Giants manager Bob Melvin, who has also known Chapman since his Oakland days, about how Chapman tackles life with Tourette’s.
Chapman was first diagnosed with Tourette syndrome at age 7. At first, it was really hard for Chapman to deal with. His peers in school often bullied him for being different.
“It’s something that I was not thrilled about when I was younger,” Chapman told Slusser. “Kids can be rough, that was not fun.”
Chapman’s symptoms were much more pronounced then; he rubbed his face constantly and spoke involuntarily. Chapman’s father also detailed a time when Chapman was violently throwing his head back during a travel baseball game.
But as he’s grown older he’s learned how to deal with his tics. Now, most people don’t even realize he has Tourette’s. The only time some people notice is when they see him speak; he has a minor facial tic sometimes.
Chapman Uses Tourette’s As A Force For Good
Today, there are several ways that Chapman has turned his diagnosis into inspiration to help others.
“Chapman’s experiences with bullying have made him more empathetic and a better leader, willing to stick up for teammates instantly (see: Rafael Devers and Tuesday’s brawl in Denver),” Slusser wrote in her article.
““Matt didn’t want that to be the first thing people thought of when they heard his name,” Jim Chapman said. “It really doesn’t affect him. But it does make him pretty special — it’s made him a stronger person, for sure.”
“It is so in character with Matt, with who he is,” Bob Melvin said. “As fiery as he is, it’s almost like it’s made for him, especially the way he embraces it…It works for him. He has a very powerful personality, and that’s part of it, in dealing with all of it. I’m proud of him.”
Chapman also speaks to kids with Tourette syndrome. He hopes that he can let them know that they can accomplish anything.
Chapman Has Huge Day At The Plate, Awaits Suspension
Matt Chapman was in the headlines for several reasons on Wednesday September 4, 2025. He opened up about his Tourette syndrome diagnosis, but he was also suspended one game by the MLB.
That’s because of Chapman’s role in the aforementioned scuffle between Devers and Colorado Rockies pitcher Kyle Freeland on Tuesday September 2. Chapman shoved Freeland in defense of Devers, and was ejected for instigating the scuffle further.
Chapman is appealing his suspension. So, he was able to play in the Giants’ next game on Wednesday September 3, 2025.
All of this seemed to light a fire under Chapman, who had arguably his best game of 2025 for the Giants. Chapman went 3-for-4 with 2 home runs, 4 RBI, a walk and two runs scored.
If Chapman’s suspension is upheld, he will likely have to serve it in the Giants’ series opener against the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday September 5, 2025.
No matter what happens with that, Giants fans are exceedingly proud to have Chapman as one of the leaders of their clubhouse.
San Francisco Giants Superstar Opens Up About Tourette Syndrome He’s Had Since Childhood