A humble man of grace and dignity. A captain who led by example. Proud of the pinstripes tradition and dedicated to the pursuit of excellence. A Yankee forever.
Male
48 years old
Evansville, Indiana
United States
The Bronx Zoo,
The Art of Mustache Grooming, Mickey Mantle: America's Prodigal Son
Heroes
Ruth Gehrig DiMaggio Mantle Berra Maris Ford Martin Rizzuto Dickey Howard Munson Guidry Jackson Piniella Nettles Randolph Williams O'Neill Rivera Jeter Huggins Stengel Zim Stottlemyre Torre My first born.
I was selected by the Yankees in the 19th round of the 1979 June amateur draft out of Memorial High School in Evansville, Indiana. On Sept. 8th, 1982 in Baltimore, I replaced Dave Winfield in left field, this was my Yankee debut. The Yankees called me up for seven games at the end of the 1982 season, and I played in 91 major-league games in 1983 before landing a full-time spot on the roster in 1984. I would play numerous games in the outfield before making firstbase my permanant home.
I was considered the premier first baseman of my era. In 1986 I set new Yankees marks for doubles (53) and hits (238) in a season, becoming the first Yankee since Lou Gehrig with three consecutive 200 hit seasons. During the 1987 season, I set or tied five remarkable major league records. I hit six grand slams to set a new single-season mark (I had never hit one prior to 1987). I tied Dale Long's 1956 record by homering in eight consecutive games from July 8 through July 18. My 10 homers during that period were a major league record for total homers in an eight game streak, and my streak of 10 games with at least one extra base hit broke Babe Ruth's 1921 AL record. The power streak ended on July 20, the night I tied the major league record of 22 putouts by a first baseman in a nine inning game. I was league MVP that year. I was also the 10th Yankee captain. The following are my career stats:
BA (.307),
Games (1785),
AB(7003), R(1007),
H(2153),
DB(442;second to Gehrig),
HR(222),
RBI(1099),
OBP(.358). I matched my hitting with outstanding defense. From 1985 through 1989, I won five consecutive Gold Glove awards at first base. Along with Chick Gandil (1916-1919), I (1984-1987) hold the record of leading AL first basemen in fielding percentage for four consecutive years. On my retirement I was tied for the all-time lead with a .996 lifetime fielding percentage at first base .
From 1990 on, back problems led to a decline in my batting performance. Many say it was a direct result of my intense off season work regiment. I adjusted my stance to compensate for this in the later years of my career. I only wish I had done it sooner. My fielding prowess did not suffer, however; my fielding percentages actually got higher, and I led the AL three straight years (1992-94). In 1995 I had finally made the post-season hitting well in our losing effort that year against Seattle in the division playoffs.
I made the most of it thou, hitting .417 (10-for-24), with 4 doubles, a home run and 6 RBI's.
In January 1997, I officially announced my retirement from baseball, having decided that my back problems would not allow me to make a comeback. At that time the Yankees announced that my number would be retired, with a ceremony to take place at "the Stadium". On Sunday, August 31, 1997, I became the 15th Yankee to be enshrined in monument park when my number 23 was retired.
On November 4, 2003 I agreed to become the Yankees' hitting coach. I knew I'd return sooner or later. Since my boys are grown now it wasn't a hard decision. I proudly served three straight seasons as the hitting coach and one season as bench coach. Unfortunately my relationship with the Yankees has ended (for now). I am now the hitting coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Don Mattingly, known to the baseball world as Donnie Baseball, the nickname says it all. What other sports hero has a nickname that involves the name of his sport? Can you think of one? The name was made popular by another major leaguer, Kirby Pucket, although originally coined by Michael Kay. Proudly known to his fans as the Hitman, an honor no trophy could ever replace. From the signature moustache, to the intense squint-eyed stare, to the elbow wrap helping him play through yet another nagging injury. These are just a few reasons why he will never be forgotten. This page was created to honor one of the most beloved Yankees to ever "Don" the pinestripes.
There was no doubt that Donnie Baseball was the greatest 1st baseman of his time, he kept us fellow Yankee fans going through the good times and the bad in the 1980's. I wish he could've hanged on for one more year before he retired so he would've had a World Series ring, he so deserved it. Hope all is well on the homefront Donnie and best wishes in the future to come, Go Yanks!!!!!
I too was extremely disappointed that you didn't receive the Yankee's manager's job. You are highly qualified and are most deserving. Unfortunately the Yankees are like a lot of companies and don't appreciate loyalty. I'm sorry to see you leave the organization, but completely understand. The best of luck in L.A. and God bless you and your family.
Was disappointed you didn't get the manger job but more disappointed that you'd even consider putting on the dreaded Dodger Blue because of it. I hope you reconsider and take the bench coach job with Girardi. Your time will come. To do so in Los Angeles is too wrong for words!
Well Donnie I have been very upset sense they made that other Joe the manager . I mean how many times can you be slapped in the face by the team you gave your life too , first in "96" you could have been the DH , I mean dam you missed out on the ring and now this I am over it .... I have been and will always be a DIE-HARD bombers fan until the day I die , but I grew up watching you I mean I played ball because of you , your a true yankee in my eyes forever ( shoot my favorite player still ). All I can hope is that you go to LA with Torre and make the yanks regret what they did. Oh and Im sure you will have a good time coaching your son ,so good luck Donnie Baseball I know have another team I'll be pulling for.
SORRY DON,YOU GOT SCREWED,GEORGES SONS ARE RETARDS,THEY ARE HILLING THE TEAM!!!!!!!!!!!! GOOD LUCK IN LA WITH JOE. THAT MAKES ME SICK TO THINK OF THAT. WHATS NEXT? TRADE JETER?
SORRY U AIN'T GET THE MANAGER JOB WITH THE YANKEES.U STILL WILL BE LOVED BY MANY FANS,TRUST ME.I BECAME A YANKEES FAN 2 BEGIN WITH .BECAUSE OF U,STAY WITH US!.
i'm gonna miss you sooo much, i heard you were leavin the Yankees and i'm more upset about you leavin than anyone else who is rumored to be gone! you are and always will be my favorite YANKEE!!!!!!!!!!!!
You have been my favorite Yankee since I was a kid. On behalf of thousands of Yankee fans, we are all sad to see you go, but we sincerely hope it's not goodbye forever, but see you later on. We love you!!! Good luck and God Bless!
A humble man of grace and dignity. A captain who led by example. Proud of the pinstripes tradition and dedicated to the pursuit of excellence. A Yankee forever.
