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| Don Mattingly was likely the best player on the New York Yankees in the 1980s. Source: https://elitesportsny.com/2022/02/25/yankees-of-the-decade-the-best-from-1981-90/ (May be subject to copyright) |
It has always been difficult to like much about the New York Yankees, but one thing I always liked was Don Mattingly.
He was their first baseman for a good chunk of the 1980s and one of the best players in the decade.
So, it warmed my heart when I saw him as the new bench coach for the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Place on opening day this season.
Seeing him brought back memories of a great fielder, a great hitter, and a great gentleman of the game.
In the beginning
Don Mattingly, who played his entire career with the Yankees, made his major league debut in September of 1982, appearing in seven games, recording two hits and batting in one run in 12 at-bats.
Don Mattingly, who played his entire career with the Yankees, made his major league debut in September of 1982, appearing in seven games, recording two hits and batting in one run in 12 at-bats.
The following season, he spent time at first base and in the outfield. He appeared in 91 games, recording 79 hits including four home runs, and 32 RBIs.
The next year things would change dramatically for Don Mattingly .
Breakout season
In 1984, Mattingly became the Yankees’ regular first baseman, having a breakout year at the plate. He led the league with a batting average of .343. He also led the league with 207 hits, including 44 doubles, which led the league as well, and 23 home runs.
In 1984, Mattingly became the Yankees’ regular first baseman, having a breakout year at the plate. He led the league with a batting average of .343. He also led the league with 207 hits, including 44 doubles, which led the league as well, and 23 home runs.
Things only got better the next season.
Most valuable player
In 1985, Don Mattingly won the American League most valuable player award. He had an excellent year offensively, batting .324, with 211 hits, 35 home runs, 48 doubles to lead the league, and a league-leading 145 RBIs. He rounded out his game by winning his first of nine Gold Gloves at first base, and the first of five straight to end the decade.
In 1985, Don Mattingly won the American League most valuable player award. He had an excellent year offensively, batting .324, with 211 hits, 35 home runs, 48 doubles to lead the league, and a league-leading 145 RBIs. He rounded out his game by winning his first of nine Gold Gloves at first base, and the first of five straight to end the decade.
Sustained success
Mattingly put up even better numbers in 1986. He led the league with 238 hits, including 31 home runs, a league-leading 53 doubles, 113 RBIs, and a .352 average.
Mattingly put up even better numbers in 1986. He led the league with 238 hits, including 31 home runs, a league-leading 53 doubles, 113 RBIs, and a .352 average.
In 1987, Mattingly batted .327, with 186 hits, 30 home runs, 38 doubles, and 115 RBIs. He tied a major-league record by hitting home runs in eight consecutive games, and a total of 10 over that streak. He also set a major-league record by hitting six grand-slam home runs in a season. These were the only grand slams Mattingly hit in his career.
In 1988, he batted .311, and again had 186 hits, with 18 home runs, 37 doubles, and 88 RBIs.
He closed out the decade in 1989, batting .303 with 191 hits, 23 home runs, 37 doubles, and 113 RBIs. He would not reach these numbers again until he retired after the 1995 season.
The years after
Mattingly played right through the 1995 season before retiring. He finished with a career batting average of .307; 2,153 hits; 222 home runs; and 1,099 RBIs. He was American League most valuable player in 1985, a six-time all-star, won nine Gold Gloves, three Silver Slugger awards, and was the American League batting champion in 1984,
Mattingly played right through the 1995 season before retiring. He finished with a career batting average of .307; 2,153 hits; 222 home runs; and 1,099 RBIs. He was American League most valuable player in 1985, a six-time all-star, won nine Gold Gloves, three Silver Slugger awards, and was the American League batting champion in 1984,
Sadly, for some, Mattingly played with the Yankees during the longest period they did not appear in a World Series. The Yankees did make the playoffs as the American League’s first ever wildcard team in 1995, losing to the Seattle Mariners. It was the only time Mattingly made the playoffs in his career, and it was his final year before retiring.
Ironically, the Yankees last World Series appearance was in 1981, the year before Mattingly made the majors, when they lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Yankees’ next appearance in the World Series was in 1996, the first year after he retired, when they beat the Atlanta Braves.
Parting thoughts
It says a lot that when I saw Don Mattingly in a Blue Jays uniform to start this season, I was pleased and optimistic. When I saw him consistently talking to the Blue Jays young players, such as Bo Bichette, I was even happier.
It says a lot that when I saw Don Mattingly in a Blue Jays uniform to start this season, I was pleased and optimistic. When I saw him consistently talking to the Blue Jays young players, such as Bo Bichette, I was even happier.
That’s because I saw what a great player he was, especially on a New York Yankees team that was not that great.
He was great with the bat and the glove, and now he is sharing all that knowledge and experience with the next generation.
What more could you ask for.
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