Donnie Baseball The Definitive Biography Of Don Mattingly
Don Mattingly, also known as Donnie Baseball, is one of the most beloved and respected players in Major League Baseball history. He spent his entire 14-year career with the New York Yankees, where he was a six-time All-Star, nine-time Gold Glove winner, and the 1985 American League MVP. He is now the manager of the Miami Marlins. This biography takes an in-depth look at his life and career, from his early years to his retirement and beyond.
Early Life and Career
Don Mattingly was born on April 20, 1961, in Evansville, Indiana. He grew up playing baseball, basketball, and football, but baseball was always his passion. He attended Reitz Memorial High School, where he was a standout player and attracted the attention of several major league teams.
Mattingly was drafted by the Yankees in the 19th round of the 1979 MLB draft, but he decided to attend college instead. He played baseball at Indiana State University for three years, where he set several school records and earned All-American honors. In 1982, he was drafted by the Yankees again, this time in the 1st round.
The Yankees Years
Mattingly made his major league debut with the Yankees on September 8, 1982. He played in only seven games that season but quickly established himself as a rising star in the years that followed. In 1984, he led the American League in hits, doubles, and batting average, and was named to his first All-Star team.
Over the next several years, Mattingly became one of the best and most consistent players in the game. He won the Gold Glove Award at first base every year from 1985 to 1989, and he was named the American League MVP in 1985. He also won the Silver Slugger Award six times and was named to the All-Star team six times. He was widely regarded as one of the best first basemen in the history of the game.
Retirement and Beyond
Mattingly retired from baseball after the 1995 season due to back injuries. He immediately became a coach for the Yankees and later served as the manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers from 2011 to 2015. In 2016, he became the manager of the Miami Marlins, where he still serves today.
Mattingly's legacy as a player and coach is secure. He was a fan favorite during his playing days, and he has earned the respect of his peers and players as a coach and manager. He is known for his quiet leadership style and his dedication to the game of baseball.
Conclusion
Don Mattingly is a true baseball legend, and this biography serves as a testament to his life and career. From his early days in Indiana to his years as a star player for the Yankees and his successful coaching and managing careers, Mattingly has always been a class act and a true ambassador for the game of baseball. He will always be remembered as one of the greats.