The 7 Best Facts to Know About 1B Don Mattingly

Don Mattingly was drafted in the 19th round of the 1979 MLB draft by the New York Yankees straight out of high school. The late-round draft pick made his MLB debut only three years later in 1982 tallying two hits in seven games played. After playing close to 100 games the following season, Mattingly broke through in his first full season in 1984 leading the league in Hits, Doubles, and Batting Average while finishing fifth in AL MVP voting en route to his first All-Star appearance.

The Indiana native did not slow down following his breakout season. In 1985, “Donnie Baseball” led the MLB in Doubles, RBIs, and Total Bases while still sporting a .324 batting average. That year Mattingly was awarded a Gold Glove, Silver Slugger, and AL MVP, marking one of the best single seasons in Yankees history. “The Hit Man” is often referred to as the greatest Yankee to never win a World Series title, as his six consecutive All-Star seasons were on par with some of the greatest runs by a Yankees player ever without a ring to show for it.

The nine-time Gold Glover finished his playing career with a .996 fielding percentage, meaning for every 1,000 balls hit Mattingly’s way, he only made four errors. He recorded one of the best defensive careers by an infielder ever, all while holding a .307 lifetime batting average. #23 retired in 1995, but “Donnie Baseball” could not give up the game. He served as the Yankees hitting coach from 2004-2007, Dodgers hitting coach/Manager from 2008-2015, and in 2016 the Miami Marlins hired Mattingly as their Manager following a mutual parting with LA. 

Here are some of the greatest records to know about Don Mattingly: