Walker Buehler, a celebrated name in baseball, is known not only for his pitching prowess with the Los Angeles Dodgers but also for a deeply personal tattoo etched on his torso. This isn’t just any ink; it’s a poignant tribute to his late Uncle Matthew, affectionately known as “Pig,” and a constant reminder of a cherished bond. Let’s delve into the story behind Walker Buehler’s meaningful tattoo.
On his 17th birthday, a significant rite of passage for many, Buehler chose to mark the occasion in a unique and lasting way. Accompanied by his girlfriend and mother, he visited a tattoo artist in Lexington, Kentucky. He carried with him not a generic design, but a baseball inscribed with a message from his beloved uncle. This baseball served as the template for his first and only tattoo, a script that now permanently resides on the left side of his torso.
The tattoo reads, “Always do your best U Pig.” These words, penned by his uncle on that cherished baseball, encapsulate a life lesson and a personal connection that transcends the ordinary. For Walker, this wasn’t just teenage rebellion or a fleeting trend; it was a heartfelt homage to a man who profoundly impacted his life.
Tony Buehler, Walker’s father, admitted initial reservations about tattoos, confessing, “I didn’t want my kids to get any tattoos. I don’t have any tattoos.” However, upon seeing the deeply personal nature of Walker’s ink, his reaction was far from disapproval. Instead, he was moved to tears, understanding the profound significance of the tribute. The baseball that inspired the tattoo was given to Walker by his uncle when he was just 10 or 11 years old, long before Buehler’s baseball stardom was even conceived.
Uncle Matthew, or “Pig,” as he was lovingly nicknamed, held a special place in Walker’s life. “He was like my best friend growing up,” Buehler recalls. When Matthew faced a terminal cancer diagnosis, the last time they met, he inscribed the now iconic message onto a baseball, a keepsake Walker still treasures today.
Matthew “Pig” Buehler’s life story is one of resilience and inspiration. Described as the “life and the best of the family,” he faced significant health challenges from a young age. At 12, Matthew was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a cancer that often strikes young adults. This experience profoundly shaped his life and, consequently, his relationship with his nephew, Walker.
The cancer treatments Matthew underwent spanned three grueling years, impacting his physical development. Tony Buehler explained, “My brother never physically developed. Those are the years you’re supposed to be maturing.” Despite these hardships, Matthew’s spirit remained unbroken. He channeled his competitive nature into supporting roles, becoming a trainer for soccer and basketball teams, determined to stay involved in the world of sports he loved.
The nickname “Pig” itself has an endearing origin story. Coined by friends Joe Kelly and Ty Burdick, it stemmed from Matthew’s smaller stature in high school and an incident where he fell asleep under a tree outside their school. “Piglet,” from Winnie the Pooh, evolved into “Pig,” a moniker that stuck throughout his life and became a term of endearment. Even his obituary read “Matthew ‘Pig’ Buehler,” highlighting how deeply ingrained this nickname was in his identity.
Walker Buehler’s connection with his Uncle Pig was unique. While his father shared a bond through athletics, Uncle Pig offered a different kind of companionship. Unable to participate in physically demanding activities, Matthew forged memories with Walker through experiences like go-karting and other fun outings. Tony Buehler reflected on this special bond, admitting, “In a weird and phenomenal way, I was always jealous of their relationship. Because Walker lit up when he was with Pig.”
One cherished go-karting memory stands out for Walker. Being slightly too short to ride solo, Uncle Pig ingeniously helped him reach the height requirement by stuffing toilet paper into his shoes. “We went to the bathroom and started stuffing my shoes with toilet paper. The guy let me through, and my uncle winked at me,” Walker recounted with a laugh, illustrating the playful and adventurous nature of their relationship.
Tragically, Matthew faced cancer again in his mid-30s, diagnosed with adenocarcinoma. He passed away in 2005, just shy of his 38th birthday. His impact on Walker, however, remained indelible. “Walker was very lucky to know my brother for as long as he did. [Matthew] certainly impacted his life,” Tony Buehler emphasized. Having no children of his own due to his earlier cancer treatments, Matthew deeply cherished his relationship with Walker, treating him like a son.
Throughout his burgeoning baseball career, Walker Buehler has consistently honored his uncle’s memory. Before each pitch, he subtly traces “P-I-G” into the mound. Even his Nike cleats bear the embroidered inscription “Pig” in bold red letters. These are quiet, personal tributes, meaningful to Walker regardless of whether they are noticed by others. “The fact that [other people] can’t really see it doesn’t matter to me. It’s on there,” Buehler explained, highlighting the personal significance of these gestures.
Beyond these subtle on-field tributes, Buehler established a charity golf tournament in Lexington to benefit the Kids Cancer Alliance, directly inspired by his uncle’s battle with pediatric cancer. This initiative reflects his commitment to giving back and honoring Matthew’s legacy in a tangible way.
Walker Buehler’s tattoo is more than just body art; it’s a permanent reminder of love, resilience, and the enduring impact of family. It’s a story etched in ink, reflecting a bond that continues to inspire him both on and off the baseball field. For fans and tattoo enthusiasts alike, Buehler’s “Always do your best U Pig” tattoo serves as a powerful example of how tattoos can embody deep personal meaning and lasting tributes.
