The Official Don Mattingly Website! Don Mattingly Online, http://www.donmattingly.com,don mattingly,mattingly,donnie baseball,don mattingly jersey,don mattingly autograph,new york yankee team captain,don mattingly memorabilia,don mattingly baseball,don mattingly bat,don mattingly collectible,don mattingly picture,don mattingly baseball card,don mattingly stats,don mattingly pic,don mattingly poster,autographed don mattingly,autographed don mattingly jersey,autographed don mattingly memorabilia,autographed don mattingly baseball,autographed don mattingly bat,autographed don mattingly collectible,autographed don mattingly picture,autographed don mattingly baseball card,autographed don mattingly pic,autographed don mattingly poster,contact don mattingly,baseball autographs,baseball autograph

Home || Store || About Don || Don's Blog || Interviews || Gallery || Events || Links || Contact || FAQ's

Don Mattingly Online - April 2003 Interview

.: April 2003 Interview :.

=======================
Interview begins here.
=======================

Roger wrote:

Mr. Mattingly, I just wanted to thank you for so many years of playing as a Yankee. You truly are a prime example of what hard work and dedication can do, and I always appreciated the effort you gave, game in and game out. My question is: Was there one thing in your career that stood out as your greatest moment as a Yankee? Thank you for all the found memories you have given me.

Don Mattingly wrote:

Roger,

As a player I think looking back at moments, the biggest one was being called up for the first time. Another great moment was my first game in the playoffs in 1995.

Sincerely,
Don Mattingly

Brian wrote:

Mr. Mattingly, Kirby Puckett has similar career statistics to you. He was a first ballot "Hall of Famer". Do you think that you should be in the "Hall of Fame?" Thank you

Don Mattingly wrote:

Brian,

1. Kirby was a great player. And the Hall of Fame is just one of those things that is hard to talk about. 2. I did what I did, and it's for somebody else to judge.

Sincerely,
Don Mattingly

Peter wrote:

Hey Don! Was playing for Billy Martin in 1985 easier than playing for Lou Piniella in 1986?

Don Mattingly wrote:

Peter,

Billy was probably the toughest guy to play for. Especially when you were young. He was tough on young players.

Sincerely,
Don Mattingly

Jaime wrote:

Don, did you ever get to play one on one with Michael Jordan?

Don Mattingly wrote:

Jaime,

No, I don't think that would have been much of a game. Would be great for me, but less than challenging for Michael.

Sincerely,
Don Mattingly

David wrote:

Who is your favorite NFL / College football team? NBA / College basketball team? Who was your favorite athlete growing up? Just thought I would give you a break on all the baseball Q's !!

Don Mattingly wrote:

David,

My favorite college team is probably Oaklahoma. My favorite NFL team is the Jets. My favorite college team for basketball would be Indiana. For NBA my favorite team is the Timberwolves. They play harder every night. My favorite athlete growing was Julius Irving.

Sincerely,
Don Mattingly

Eric wrote:

Honestly, do you think baseball players are overpaid? What is your thinking on professional athletes salaries these days? I, remember when you signed your lucrative deal years back what do you think should happen to get this resolved? You are my idol still til this day cause the way you played the game with heart and passion i admire that and would hope that i can pass the knowledge i obtained while watching you throughout your career.If you are an athlete and the owner offers you a huge contract today your crazy if you don't accept the offer. I use to be the biggest baseball fan would do my share of collecting baseball cards and posters but today especially with the increase in prices you can't even buy a pack of cards for under a dollar anymore. I just would like to know your stance on the way baseball(and all sports) are operating in todays game.

Don Mattingly wrote:

Eric,

People thought that we were overpaid to. I think most players agree that the money is unbelievable.

Sincerely,
Don Mattingly

Dean wrote:

Don, You were very helpful in lifting a sick 16 year olds spirit in August of 1989. That 16year old was me. I was stricken with Cancer and have been in remission since 1990. The fact that you called and talked to me is a story I will be able to tell my kids and grand kids for years to come. I never really got to thank you...so now I'm saying Thank you.

Question #1....What was the main reason for closing Mattingly's 23 in Evansville. I visited the restaurant in 1994 and it was a very cool place to eat. My wife enjoyed it as well. Any chance you may reopen it again. What about opening it up in New York City.

Question #2.....As you see your boys growing and playing ball each year...do you think they have the same skills as you did growing up. Do they want to play professional ball, and are you preparing them for the big league experiences. > >

Thanks again Don.

Don Mattingly wrote:

Dean,

The reason we closed was a change in Kim and myself. Our attitude towards it changed. We did not have the time to do it properly with the kids growing up. No plans for one in NY, or anywhere else at this time.

I think the two that like baseball are both very talented. I am not sure if they want to play or not. Just trying to raise them right is preparing them for any experience.

Sincerely,
Don Mattingly

Andrew wrote:

Donnie Baseball: Have the Yanks lost the integrity they had when you were the captain?

Don Mattingly wrote:

Andrew,

Absolutely not! They have a great group of guys, quality people, and quality management. A great team to be around.

Sincerely,
Don Mattingly

Chad wrote:

Don, thanks for the memories and more importantly the inspiration to work as hard as I could on the diamond in college! Quick question: I provide private lessons to younger ball players, what are a couple important points that you would make when teaching kids on the basics of playing ball? Go Yankees and look forward to seeing you in the hall!

Don Mattingly wrote:

Chad,

Have fun! Try to get better everyday!

Sincerely,
Don Mattingly

Alan wrote:

I need some advice, I have two boys, 8 and 3. I pitch to my oldest and go to the batting cage when he wants to, but velocity of the bat is slow. He is 98 pounds and 4'8",(plenty of torque potential) we have tried smaller bats but I think its mechanical. We have that "hit away" ball strap thing we use on a pole in the basement which seems to help, Any other ideas? My other question is that my 3 yr old shows an interest in baseball, he hits well with a "fischer price" pop up ball machine and loves underhand toss,is there any early development type hitting advice that is fun and teaches hand eye coordination? Recommend any videos for either kid? Thanks! Alan.

P.S. Thank God you were in New York in the eighties during the Meacham/Nokes years, or I would have switched to the Mets!

Don Mattingly wrote:

Alan,

1. In general, the best thing you could do for a young kid is teach them to hit the ball on the ground, down the middle. That will teach them to get on top of the baseball and shorten their swing.

2. Let them have fun and go at their own pace.

Sincerely,
Don Mattingly

=======================
Interview ends here.
=======================

.: Return to the Interview Questions Menu :.

Visit Our Partner Sites

Don Mattingly Guaranteed Authentic Signed Memorabilia!

Home || Store || About Don || Don's Blog || Interviews || Gallery || Events || Links || Contact || FAQ's