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 - October 2004 Interview

.: October 2004 Interview :.

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

Josh Wrote:

Were you approached by the people of the sitcom Seinfeld when they used your name for the line "Mattingly split his pants!!!" Because that was hilarious!

Don Mattingly Wrote:

Josh,

I did not actually see that one, but they may have contacted someone.  They did not contact me, I don't think, not sure they even need permission for that stuff.

Sincerely,
Don Mattingly

Dan Wrote:

Don,

First and foremost, I'd like to thank you for being such an important part of my life growing up. You were truly a role model and you will always hold a special place in my heart.

Now onto my question:  Ricky Henderson. I've heard so many funny stories about his quirky personality and habits. What was it like having Ricky as a teammate during the excess of the 80s? Did he always refer to himself in the third person? I can't even imagine.

Thanks again, 
Dan

Don Mattingly Wrote:

Dan,

Ricky, I loved Ricky as a teammate.  I have a tremendous amount of respect for him as a player.  He is a great guy and I never had any trouble or any problems.  I never really heard him refer to himself in third person.  I think that was exaggerated.  To me he is a smart guy, a great player, and a tremendous talent.

Sincerely,
Don Mattingly

Mike Wrote:

Don,

At the end of an inning when the first basemen makes the last out he always spins the ball around in his hands as if he is examining it? What is he looking for? Then when he throws it away and runs toward the dugout someone throws a ball that he catches. Please explain. By the way I think that you are the epitome of what a New York Yankee should be. You carried yourself with class, dignity, and heroism and you hung it up on your own terms. You are a true role model.

Don Mattingly Wrote:

Mike,

Well, the last out you usually look to see of there is a scuff on the ball.  If it is scuffed you want to get a new ball so it pitches right.  Usually you throw it out no matter what, to a fan or something.  On the way back in the first baseman gets a new ball to throw around the next inning.

Sincerely,
Don Mattingly

Nate Wrote:

I could swear I just saw you in an Auto Zone commercial. Was that you? This is a matter of national security!

Don Mattingly Wrote:

Nate,

If it was I must have been in the background somewhere, no one told me I was in it.  If I was in it, no one paid me.

Sincerely,
Don Mattingly

Brian Wrote:

Dear Don,

In 1988 I received a Franklin Don Mattingly baseball glove for Christmas. Believe it or not I am still using that same glove today. I took very good care of it. Do major league players get attached to their equipment? How many gloves did you use in a season? By the way, my dad once said every generation should have a Mickey Mantle and without a doubt you are mine.

Don Mattingly Wrote:

Brian,

I started everyone season with two gloves.  I break them both in, use one for pre-game, and one just for the game once I got it the way I liked it.  So I had two gloves a year.  Outfielders do not go through them as fast, but first-baseman usually go through them quickly, they get too flimsy.

Sincerely,
Don Mattingly

Chad Wrote:

Dear Mr. Mattingly,

I am a middle school teacher and former middle school coach. I quit coaching because the parents were getting their priorities out of order concerning their child's future in sports. I am still very active with the athletes through FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes). Were parents this bad when you were growing up? Thank you for your actions and attitude on the field and encourage the current players; my students and today's youth are watching.

Don Mattingly Wrote:

Chad,

I do not remember them being like that, my parents were never like that.  They never said a word about the games, I never heard them yell or anything.  I agree it has gotten out of balance.   I have been seeing parents out of balance at my kid's games.  People just get out of balance concerning their kids.  Most of it simply comes out of fear of their child getting hurt or not doing well.  I understand what they are going through, but I think you have to push those feelings down.

Sincerely,
Don Mattingly

John Wrote:

Donnie Baseball,
 
I own an indoor baseball facility and we teach all aspects of the game. The one big argument is Linear or Rotational. What do you teach and Why?

Don Mattingly Wrote:

John,

I think linear is the way to go.  It is all part of one movement, but I really believe the linear shift, that motion keeps the bat in the zone longer.  But, you have to rotate at some point, there is an explosion at some point, it has to happen.  It is all timing, they are both part of the swing, but there needs to be a linear move.

Sincerely,
Don Mattingly

Matt Wrote:

Dear Mr. Mattingly,

I have a little trouble hitting and I figured I would ask advice from one of the greatest hitters period!  I'm 13 and I play baseball. I am a big boy 5'8 190 and I'm pretty strong and I have been told I have a lot of power, but I have trouble making contact I always keep my eyes on the ball and try the see it in to the plate but when it gets there my swing misses it.  Could you help me?

God bless

Don Mattingly Wrote:

Matt,

It is difficult for me to help without seeing what is going on.  But, a lot of times when kids miss the ball your head is pulling away.  Without seeing you, all I can suggest is trying to hit ground balls at second, short, and through the middle of the field, hard ground balls.  See if that helps you.

Sincerely,
Don Mattingly

Robert Wrote:

Hello, neighbor! Well, kind of! I live near you and I have question you might be able to answer. I have a terrible slice on my golf swing? I'm sure you've played on Clearcrest before. That is my goal to someday play under 100 there.
By the way I'm a huge Mets fan, but its awesome saying I live in the same town as the King of New York!

Don Mattingly Wrote:

Robert,

Neighbor, same here!  That is definitely a problem at Clearcrest.  No help here sorry, wrong sport.

Sincerely,
Don Mattingly

Susan Wrote:

Dear Donnie,

What was the biggest brawl you've ever been in?

Thanks,
Susan

Don Mattingly Wrote:

Susan,

The Angels / Yankees, not sure what year, but that was a huge one.  I was not hurt, but I was not really that involved with it.  It was one of those when we fought two or three different times in the same game.  Baseball fights for the most part are usually not that big of a deal, just a lot of pushing and shoving.

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