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Don Mattingly Online - June 2004 Interview
.: June 2004 Interview :.
======================= Interview begins here. ======================= Steve Wrote: Donnie Baseball, As a Bronx native now living down south, I seek out all Yankees information on line. Welcome back to NY, our favorite son! What are your thoughts on your team's hitting, how it started out slow, turned around strong, and what thoughts do you have for the 2nd half? Don Mattingly Wrote: Steve, I have to agree, we have a great offensive club. The start was just part of the season really. We had a lot of new guys and I think everyone was getting used to playing in New York and getting settled in with new teammates, a new team, a new city. It just took a while for the guys to get comfortable. We are working to try and keep getting better throughout the season and hopefully will be at our best down the stretch run. Sincerely, Don Mattingly Benjamin Wrote: Mr. Mattingly, I hope you read this as it would be a great honor to me. I have been a Yankee and Don Mattingly fan since 1984 (your rookie year and my birthday). Liking the Yankees is in my blood as my great, great uncle was John "Happy Jack" Chesbro. I think it is an honor that you now have a plaque up in the memorial park with a retired jersey just like you deserve. It is also good to see you back with the Yankees organization. My question is did you want to be a Yankee or did the team kind of grow on you? What was your favorite team when you were young? Don Mattingly Wrote: Benjamin, My favorite team when I was a kid was Cincinnati, and I think that just comes from where I grew up. Growing up in the Midwest I watched them often. As for the Yankees I was simply drafted and from there in a sense they really did grow on me. Once I got to New York and learned more about their history and tradition I was glad I got to be a part of that. Sincerely, Don Mattingly Luke Wrote: Don, I just wanted to say you were my favorite player as a kid. I'm 27 now. My question: Have you read a book entitled "Moneyball" by Michael Lewis? It is interesting stuff, to say the least. Don Mattingly Wrote: Luke, I have not read it, but I have heard of it. Sorry, I cannot really speak about it because I have only heard about it. Sincerely, Don Mattingly Barry Wrote: Don, I was once told by a reputable baseball guy that it really doesn't matter how you stand in the box, as long as you are comfortable. I mean it makes sense because he also stated that regardless of how you start most everyone assumes the hitting position as you begin the swing. What do you think? Does being relaxed make you a better hitter? Don Mattingly Wrote: Barry, Being relaxed definitely can help you be a better hitter. I agree with the statement your source told you. It doesn't really matter how you stand if you are comfortable of course as long as it is not silly and puts you in a bad position. I agree with nearly that entire statement and as I mentioned there are a few exceptions. Sincerely, Don Mattingly Jim Wrote: Don, As someone who watched and played with you in high school, (Football), how much credit do you give Coach Merkle and his style of stressing the fundamentals in your development as a baseball player? Don Mattingly Wrote: Jim, Basically I give him a ton of credit. I really think he was the guy that impressed upon me the importance of hard work and getting better. His teaching was the foundation for a lot of the things I was able to do. A good foundation is important in all areas of sports it helps you to improve faster. Sincerely, Don Mattingly Ralph Wrote: Love you Donnie, Who gave you the nickname Donnie Baseball? Don Mattingly Wrote: Ralph, I will make this one simple. Kurby Puckett gave me that nickname. Sincerely, Don Mattingly Jim Wrote: Don, I was told in high school by a reporter that I tied your high school record for triples in one year with eleven. Can you confirm this for me? Don Mattingly Wrote: Jim, If you were told that I am sure it was true, at one point I know there was a record for triples, but I am not quite sure the number I had. Sincerely, Don Mattingly Susan Wrote: Hi Donnie, What do you write in the book you have with you during games? Thanks a lot! Don Mattingly Wrote: Susan, The book contains information on the opposing teams pitching. Most of the time, if I write in it, it is simply a side note or a note on the way a pitch moves for that particular pitcher. Sincerely, Don Mattingly Nathan Wrote: Don, I started getting into baseball when I was about 9 years old in 1986. I became a big fan of yours and followed your entire career. I just want to say that you really helped me get through a lot growing up. I will always appreciate what a great role model you were for me and other kids around the country. I hope that you will someday be the manager of the Yankees. Did you enjoy your time in Nashville? Where did you live at the time? (I grew up and still live there) Don Mattingly Wrote: Nathan, I loved playing in Nashville. The people were great and very friendly. It was a great place to play. I think I lived south of the stadium off of Hunters Ridge, I am sure it is not that anymore but it was Hunter's Ridge apartments. Sincerely, Don Mattingly Brian Wrote: Don, What was your lifetime batting average? Don Mattingly Wrote: Brian, I think it is around .305, check the back of my cards to make sure. Sincerely, Don Mattingly ======================= Interview ends here. =======================
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