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Don Mattingly Online - November 2004 Interview

.: November 2004 Interview :.

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Interview begins here.
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Eric Wrote:

Dear Mr. Mattingly,

I was raised on a healthy dose of "Donnie Baseball" by my father. We both loved to watch and listen to you play. I do need to admit that a second favorite player of mine was Claudell Washington. What was he like to play with? Any cool stories?

Thank you for your time and all the great years in baseball!

Don Mattingly Wrote:

Eric,

Claudell was great to play with, very funny guy.  I was kind of a Claudell admirer as well.  He was a great teammate and funny, no real stories just good memories.

Sincerely,
Don Mattingly

Andrew Wrote:

Don,

What do you attribute your increased power numbers too? Is it weightlifting or just experience?

Andrew

Don Mattingly Wrote:

Andrew,

Increased power came with age, and maturing.  Lifting enhanced it, and some mechanics changes helped create a shorter swing.  Then of course experience, understanding the pitches and knowing what to expect.

Sincerely,
Don Mattingly

Jon Wrote:

Mr. Mattingly,

A quick question aside from baseball:  What are some of your favorite music groups to listen to?

Don Mattingly Wrote:

Jon,

I like a bunch of different people.  I have been listening to 2 Pac lately, Eminem, Jodee Masina, and Randy Travis.  I like all kinds of stuff, the Dixie Chicks when I run.  I listen to many different groups and types of music.

Sincerely,
Don Mattingly

Tom Wrote:

Is there less of a stigmatism about striking out in today's game then when you played? You were able to hit 30 homeruns a year and have less than 40-50 strikeouts. I can't think of anyone today that could say the same.

Thank you,
Tom

Don Mattingly Wrote:

Tom,

Definitely less!  I see guys now that do not really cut their swing down, they strike out 120 or 130 times and it seems like it is no big deal.  I definitely think that it has changed.

Sincerely, 
Don Mattingly

Jason Wrote:

Don,

I'd first like to say you are my favorite player of all time and I was crushed when you retired. I wonder, if you stepped in to the box and onto the field these days, do you think you could keep up?

Very Respectfully, 
Jason

Don Mattingly Wrote:

Jason,

Definitely not, 10 years out of the game is a long time.  I think over time you loose your reaction time.  I think if I really worked I could, but I am probably too old at this point.  If I had continued to play I could have gone a lot longer, but as long as I have been out, probably not.

Sincerely,
Don Mattingly

Derek Wrote:

Did you ever think that you would've made this big of an impact on Baseball when you started your career? How have you dealt with the pressure of being an icon?

Don Mattingly Wrote:

Derek,

Well, I am not sure I have made that big of an impact.  I did not really realize some of the things I could do power wise, I did not know that was in me.  I have not even thought about being an icon, I just live day to day, treat people right, and move on.

Sincerely, 
Don Mattingly

Rick Wrote:

I recently purchased an autographed card of you and on the card it has you in what appears to be a #48 jersey. Did you ever wear any other jersey number other than #23 with the Yankees?

Thanks,
Rick

Don Mattingly Wrote:

It was probably #46, in my first year in 1983.

Sincerely,
Don Mattingly

Steve Wrote:

I had an argument with a friend of mine.  I told him that you played third base a couple of games for the Yankees. He says that there is no way a left hander played third base. Can you tell if in fact you did play third base, and against what opponents?

Don Mattingly Wrote:

Steve,

I did play third, it was against Seattle.  It was like 87 or 88, not sure.  I started one game or two, someone was hurt and they needed someone to fill in for a couple of days.

Sincerely, 
Don Mattingly

Zack Wrote:

I am 14 and I am having trouble hitting a curve ball and seeing the ball out of the pitchers hand. Do you have any advice on what I could do to hit a curve?

Don Mattingly Wrote:

Zack,

Well, one way is practice hitting off a curve ball machine.  Set it up on a slow easy curve and hit with no stride so your head does not move.  It may allow you to see the ball come farther.  Most of the time your head is moving, so you are probably striding too far and you do not realize it.  Something along those lines, keep your head still so you can see the ball.  Practice off the machine with no stride.

Sincerely,
Don Mattingly

Wayne Wrote:

Do you still use the same locker that you used as a player?

Don Mattingly Wrote:

Wayne,

No, coaches are in a different area, they have their own room.

Sincerely,
Don Mattingly

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Interview ends here.
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