Don Mattingly

Don Mattingly

Don Mattingly was born on April 20th, 1961

Full Name: Donald Arthur Mattingly
Nationality: American
Occupation: Baseball Player, Coach, Manager
Notable Teams: New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers
Awards: American League Batting Champion
Coaching Career: 2007-2015
Education: Reitz Memorial High School
Managerial Career: Los Angeles Dodgers, Miami Marlins

A legendary baseball player and manager, known for his impressive playing career with the New York Yankees and later managing the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Written by: Lisa Chang Lisa Chang

Don Mattingly: The Hit Man of Baseball

Don Mattingly is a household name in the world of baseball, known for his impressive 14-year playing career with the New York Yankees and his subsequent managerial stints with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Miami Marlins. Nicknamed "The Hit Man" and "Donnie Baseball," Mattingly is a highly decorated player and respected coach who has left an indelible mark on the sport.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Born on April 20, 1961, in Evansville, Indiana, Mattingly grew up with a passion for baseball. He was ambidextrous, pitching and playing first base with both hands, and was a member of the 1973 Great Scot Little League championship team in Evansville.

Professional Career

The Yankees selected Mattingly in the 1979 amateur draft, and he made his major league debut in 1982 after four seasons in minor league baseball. He quickly established himself as the Yankees' starting first baseman, earning his first of six All-Star selections in 1984.

Mattingly's impressive playing career was marked by numerous accolades, including:

Mattingly served as captain of the Yankees from 1991 to 1995, when he retired as a player. In recognition of his contributions, the Yankees retired his uniform number 23 in 1997, making him the only Yankee to have his number retired without winning a World Series with the team.

Coaching and Managerial Career

After retiring as a player, Mattingly transitioned to coaching, serving as a hitting coach for the Yankees from 2004 to 2006. He followed Joe Torre to the Dodgers in 2008 and succeeded him as manager in 2011. Mattingly managed the Dodgers for five seasons, leading the team to three consecutive National League West division titles from 2013 to 2015.

In 2016, Mattingly became the manager of the Miami Marlins, a position he held until 2022. During his tenure, he led the team to a wildcard berth in 2020, the franchise's first postseason appearance since 2003.

Legacy and Impact

Don Mattingly's impact on baseball extends beyond his playing and managerial career. He has been an inspiration to countless young players, earning the respect of his peers and fans alike. His commitment to excellence and dedication to the sport have made him a beloved figure in the baseball community.

Today, Mattingly serves as the bench coach for the Toronto Blue Jays, continuing to share his expertise and passion for the game with the next generation of players.

In conclusion, Don Mattingly is a baseball legend, a true icon of the sport. His impressive playing career, decorated with numerous awards and accolades, has been matched by his success as a coach and manager. As he continues to contribute to the game he loves, his legacy will only continue to grow, inspiring future generations of baseball players and fans alike.

Timeline
1961
Born in Evansville, Indiana
Don Mattingly was born on April 20, 1961, in Evansville, Indiana. He would go on to become a prominent American baseball player, coach, and manager.
1982
Made MLB Debut
Mattingly made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut with the New York Yankees.
1985
Won American League Batting Title
Don Mattingly won the American League batting title, hitting .324 for the season.
1995
Retired from MLB
Mattingly retired from professional baseball, ending his 14-year MLB career.
2011
Became Los Angeles Dodgers Manager
Don Mattingly became the manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, serving from 2011 to 2015.
Don Mattingly

Don Mattingly Quiz

What team did Don Mattingly manage from 2011 to 2015?

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FAQ
What is Don Mattinglys career stats in baseball?
Don Mattingly had a remarkable baseball career, playing for the New York Yankees from 1982 to 1995, with a batting average of .307, 222 home runs, and 1,099 runs batted in. He was a six-time All-Star and won the American League batting title in 1984.
How did Don Mattingly become a baseball manager?
After retiring as a player, Don Mattingly transitioned to coaching, serving as the Yankees hitting coach from 2003 to 2006. He then became the manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers from 2011 to 2015 and the Miami Marlins from 2016 to 2022.
What awards did Don Mattingly win as a player?
Don Mattingly won the American League batting title in 1984, was named the American League Most Valuable Player in 1986, and won nine Gold Glove Awards and three Silver Slugger Awards.
Who did Don Mattingly play for in his baseball career?
Don Mattingly played his entire 14-year baseball career with the New York Yankees, from 1982 to 1995.
What is Don Mattinglys legacy in baseball?
Don Mattingly is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in Yankees history, known for his consistent hitting, Gold Glove defense, and leadership. He was inducted into the Yankees Hall of Fame in 2004 and his number 23 jersey was retired by the team in 1997.

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