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Don Mattingly Online - May 2004 Interview

.: May 2004 Interview :.

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Interview begins here.
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Heather Wrote:

Dear Don,

Growing up in New York, I've always been a huge Yanks fan, and you were always my favorite player. You started playing in the Majors a couple of years before I was born, but I just loved watching you perform while I was a kid. But I was curious...is it strange to you that you have "younger" fans (I'm 20), that may not have totally understood the entire concept of the game back then, but do now?

Don Mattingly Wrote:

Heather,

It is a bit odd that I have younger fans.  Most of my fans are older because of when I played.  The young ones that know me I think know me through their parents who educated them about the game.  Thank you for being a fan, I am happy when anyone enjoys the way I played no matter what their age is.

Sincerely,
Don Mattingly

Erik Wrote:

Hey Don,

Who do you feel on the current Yankees roster, has the most similar swing to your own, Hideki?

Don Mattingly Wrote:

Erik,

I really do not know.  I haven't really thought about it, I try not to compare the guys.  Hideki is a great hitter and we have a lot of guys that are great hitters.  Hideki is very disciplined.

Sincerely,
Don Mattingly

David Wrote:

Don,

As an ISU grad, you asked me if I knew "Ol Wally". I think I found out that he was an old coach at Indiana State. Is this true?

Don Mattingly Wrote:

David,

I do not think so.  The Wally I am referring to was a player, Wally Johnson, who ended up with the Expos.  I played against him in the minor leagues.

Sincerely,
Don Mattingly

Joanne Wrote:

Hi Don,

My husband said he wanted a pair of Don Mattingly sun glasses.  Unfortunately it looks like you have a different pair on in every photo and you must own a 100 pairs! Can you please help?  Which are your favorites?

Joanne,

I like all different kinds and I do own a lot of them.  There is not certain style I like, just whatever is comfortable.

Sincerely,
Don Mattingly

Clayton Wrote:

Dear Don,

Next to my parents and grandparents you were the first hero I ever had growing up. Just the way you played the game and the way you carried yourself around the ball field made your career truly enjoyable to watch.

As for my question...For the past couple years I have had severe back pain. I found out that I have a couple herniated discs in my lower back. I have tried everything except surgery. Did you ever find any methods for fixing your back problems that truly worked?

Don Mattingly Wrote:

Clayton,

Well, each back is different so giving advice is hard.  I found that I made a lot of progress with a program called Lumbar Stabilization.  The program is built on strengthening your stomach muscles and the muscles along your back that support the spine.  It works on your posture and teaches you how to sit properly, choose the right beds, but again that is me, it may not work for you.  Good luck!

Sincerely, 
Don Mattingly

Rob Wrote:

Hey don I am a 16 year old ball player and like you I am not really big I'm 5'8 and I know I have some growing to do I'll be about 5 foot 10 inches.  I play 2nd and 1st and I hit great but how would you recommend I hit to support the fact I am not a home run hitter?

Don Mattingly Wrote:

Rob,

Well, you do not have to be a home run hitter to be a good hitter.  Understand who you are, if you can run, etc.  Just keep being a good hitter, if you can hit you can drive in runs.  If you can drive in runs you are dangerous.  I would not worry about the home runs so much.

Sincerely,
Don Mattingly

Reggie Wrote:

On the date the Yankees retired your number do you remember hearing a fan yell out "Hey, Chucky! Nice bald spot."? It happened while you were giving your acceptance speech during a pause. You did smile and I was wondering if you had heard it and what you were thinking. It was I that yelled it at a friend who was sitting about 10 rows in front of me.

Don Mattingly Wrote:

Reggie,

I definitely did not hear it.  It is hard for me to remember anything about that day.  It was such a busy, hectic, and overwhelming day.  Sounds like it would have been very funny if I had heard it.

Sincerely, 
Don Mattingly

Susan Wrote:

Hi Donnie,

Why did you decide to live in Manhattan instead of the suburbs during the season?

Don Mattingly Wrote:

Susan,

I just think it made it easier for me.  Kim and the kids were going to be coming in and out and it is just easier for me with food and all that kind of stuff.  It was just kind of something we wanted to do as a family.  The kids thought it would be a good experience for them also.

Sincerely,
Don Mattingly

Jeff Wrote:

Hi Don,

As far as I'm concerned, you're the greatest of all time. Thanks so much for returning to the Yankees. It hasn't been the same without you. My question is: Have you ever appeared on the David Letterman Show?

Don Mattingly Wrote:

Jeff,

Yes I have appeared on the David Letterman Show.  I remember that it was during my home run stretch when I broke the record.  Bonnie Raitt was a guest and I was a fan of her music, so that was pretty cool.

Sincerely,
Don Mattingly

Jon Wrote:

Don,

Growing up in Minnesota you were my idol. I was a left-handed first-baseman who unfortunately couldn't hit a curveball. However, I could throw one, and I made it as high as A Ball as a pitcher with the San Diego Padres. I will never forget my baseball experiences. Baseball is something I am very passionate about. Now I try to golf as much as possible to get my competitive juices flowing. My question for you is...who are your favorite people to share a round of golf with?

Don Mattingly Wrote:

Jon,

Different people, I like playing golf with my kids, me and the boys go out and play.  Kim and I will play often.  With anybody it is fun, but more than anything just close friends and family.  I really do not go out and compete, when it comes to golf I just try to relax and have fun.  I would like to do well, but I cannot expect to since I do not have a lot of time to practice or play.

Sincerely, 
Don Mattingly

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Interview ends here.
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