Karchner graduated from Berwick High School in Berwick, Pennsylvania in 1985. He played college baseball as a third baseman at Bloomsburg University and led NCAA Division II with 1.59 runs batted in per game in 1988.
The following year, he was selected in the eighth round of the 1989 Major League Baseball draft by the Kansas City Royals. He was converted to pitching and was assigned to the Eugene Emeralds of the Northwest League to begin his professional career.
After three seasons in the Royals' farm system, Karchner was selected in the 1991 Rule 5 draft by the Montreal Expos. He signed a one-year contract with the Expos in January 1992 but was returned to the Royals that April.

Return to Matt Karchner Autograph Profile