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Don Mattingly Online - December 2004 Interview

.: December 2004 Interview :.

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Interview begins here.
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Matthew Wrote:

Don,

As a huge fan of yours, I remember waiting on pins and needles after the 1995 season to hear that you had re-signed with the Yankees, and I could look forward to several more years of watching you play ball. Much to my agony and disappointment, it didn't happen, and my question is... what happened that kept you from resigning and adding those few extra years? I ask because I felt that you were just getting your back problems under control, and were poised for 4 or more great years. Whatever the case, thanks for all of the wonderful years...you are truly one of the greats.

Don Mattingly Wrote:

Matthew,

I was feeling better definitely.  I was getting to where I felt comfortable with everything.  I knew what I had to do to be successful, but really I was just tired of the road, my kids were young, and I just wanted to be with them.  That was the reason, I just felt that my heart was not in it 100%.  When that happens you are cheating the fans and the organization, you need to leave at that point.  My family was top priority and that is where I wanted to be.  They were always top priority, I loved playing, even when I stopped playing, I just did not like to be away from home.  I was gone all the time and I was just not willing to do it anymore.

Sincerely,

Don Mattingly

Susan Wrote:

Hey Donnie,

Why were you micro phoned during Old Timer's Day? How come we didn't get to hear anything? It was a great day!

Don Mattingly Wrote:

Susan,

I am really not sure, they asked me to do it and I did it and I never knew what they were going to do with it.  I do not like being micro phoned though!

Sincerely,

Don Mattingly

Roger Wrote:

Mr. Mattingly,

Who is the most exciting young player in baseball today? Thanks for all the memories.

Don Mattingly Wrote:

Roger,

Well, it is hard to go away from Carlos Beltran.  There are some great young players out there, but he can do so many things.  He can run, he is graceful, he has a great swing, seems like a great guy, and I should probably not talk so nice about him since he is playing for the Mets now.  (Joking)  He is a great young player and gets my vote for your question.

Sincerely,

Don Mattingly

Josh Wrote:

Growing up I remember some of the best times I had, was with my dad watching Yankee's games. My dad has always been a huge fan, and we would actually take a family vacation every year down to Evansville, just so we could eat at the restaurant of the world famous, "Donnie Baseball." Why did you shut down your restaurant, and is there any hope in the future of opening a new one?

Don Mattingly Wrote:

Josh,

I shut it down because it wasn't right for me and my family.  I realized quickly that being retired I did not want to spend the time that it required to be successful.  I did not want to sacrifice time with my family for it.  That was the reason I shut it down.  As far as the future goes, I really do not see any reason at this time that would make me want to open another one.

Sincerely,

Don Mattingly

Tom Wrote:

Dear Don,

My bro. is in high school and a heck of a short-stop. In the fall ball he seems to always crack, but not completely bust wooden bats right at the area between the grip and the barrel. Do you know of any trends that cause this when he transitions from metal to wood? He is already aware of the "trademark" rule of bats.

Don Mattingly Wrote:

Tom,

I would have to be able to see if he is breaking them in the same spots.  Really, there is nothing wrong with breaking bats because it means you are waiting on the ball.  If the ball is getting a little deep it usually comes from the guy waiting longer.  That usually results in a better swing ultimately.  Those broken bats are just part of the game, it happens all the time.  Kids that grew up with aluminum I think just really are not used to the wood, they break, and it is not always bad.  Tell him to give his swing some time to evolve.

Sincerely,

Don Mattingly

Vince Wrote:

Could you tell me what part of the playing the game you miss the most, and what part of coaching you find the most rewarding?

Don Mattingly Wrote:

Vince,

Coaching is very rewarding when the guys do well and you feel like you have influenced that and were able to help them.  That is the main thing, when they have good seasons I feel like I have been a part of it and that is the reward for me.

I miss the action as a player.  I get into the game as a coach, but I do not get the 1 on 1 feel, the real action that I used to get as a player.  I miss that the most.

Sincerely,

Don Mattingly

Michael Wrote:

Don,

Where do you see yourself in another 5 years down the road with the Yankees?

Don Mattingly Wrote:

Michael,

Well, I am trying not to look too far down the road.  Depending where this coaching thing goes I could end up anywhere.  It all depends on the timing of things.  I just really am not sure.  I am along for the ride!

Sincerely,

Don Mattingly

Ben Wrote:

Can you describe how it felt to be captain of the Yankees?

Don Mattingly Wrote:

Ben,

Nothing really changes, especially while you are going through it and playing at the same time.  I think you look at it more when you are done playing and you realize it was quite an honor.  It meant a lot to me, it was a great experience.

Sincerely,

Don Mattingly

Skyy Wrote:

Don,

I ran across this quote: "Honestly, at one time I though Babe Ruth was a cartoon character. I really did, I mean I wasn't born until 1961 and I grew up in Indiana."
~Don Mattingly

Did you really say that? One other thing, why did you shave off the mustache?

Don Mattingly Wrote:

Skyy,

Yes, I did say that (Smiles).  Not sure why I shaved my mustache, it is back for now though!

Sincerely,

Don Mattingly

Amin Wrote:

Don,

How's Taylor doing? Where will he be playing next year?

Don Mattingly Wrote:

Amin,

Taylor is doing great.  He had a great winter and to me he is very healthy.  As far as where he is going to play, I am not sure just yet.  He is going to have to take care of that.  I am sure they have him penciled in somewhere, but I really do not know for sure.

Sincerely,

Don Mattingly

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Interview ends here.
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