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Don Mattingly Online - January 2005 Interview

.: January 2005 Interview :.

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Interview begins here.
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Todd Wrote:

Don I'm a big fan. I think the fans in New York show respect and gratitude to all of their talented players. In your mind what was the best thing you have done to show your appreciation to a fan or fans?

Don Mattingly Wrote:

Todd,

I think the biggest thing I have done is to stay true to myself and always have respect for the people that come to games and that enjoy baseball.  My contribution to the fans is respect, as you say, it means a lot and I think that goes for both the player and the fan.

Sincerely,
Don Mattingly

Becky Wrote:

Don,

My entire life has been filled with many medical problems and tragedies from heart problems fixed with surgeries to having to wear a back brace for 5 years and to be tortured by kids, and losing one of my closest friends in a car accident a year ago.  Through all of that you have helped me pull through. Your drive to pull through and continue playing even though you had a bad back helps me pull through my problems. THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART! My question is: have you ever come across a fan that's changed your life or really stuck with you?

Don Mattingly Wrote:

Becky,

Many people have stuck with me and impacted me as a whole.  The way many fans have treated me stays with me.  The reaction towards me and other players astounds me.  The fact that myself and other players can cheer people up, or change lives, always impacts me.  I love to know I can help people!  It is much more than what we do on the field, it is our respect for people that watch the games and how we display ourselves, on and off the field.

Sincerely,
Don Mattingly

Bob Wrote:

Don,

From an interview with Joe Pepetone, I read and quote, "I taught Mattingly everything he knows."  How much he really teach you?

Don Mattingly Wrote:

Bob,

Well, knowing Joe I am sure he was kidding a little.  He is right though, I learned so much from him around first base.  He showed me how to work the bag, and move about the base.  There are definitely things I learned from Joe.  Like I said, knowing him he was teasing a little, but he did teach me a lot about my position.

Sincerely,
Don Mattingly

Scott Wrote:

Mr. Mattingly,

I have a framed picture of yourself, Boggs and Brett that I've cherished. Is there significance to the photo?

I've always wondered why the picture came to be. Is it some trivia?

Don Mattingly Wrote:

Scott,

Well, I am not sure why it came to be.  It was at the 85 All Star game I believe.  I have always liked it because I respect what those guys can do as hitters.  We were all red-hot in the game and it signified at that point, three of the better hitters in the league.  It was a great memory!

Sincerely,
Don Mattingly

Chris Wrote:

Hi Don!

I am a huge fan. Thanks for all the years you have given to us the fans. I remember Ted Williams saying he had dinner with you and Wade Boggs once.  You guys could have sold many tickets to sit in on that one.  What do you remember from that the most?

Don Mattingly Wrote:

Chris,

What I remember most is Ted, how he is bigger than life to me.  I was still a young player in the league and fairly new.  I enjoyed listening to him discuss hitting and having a few drinks and some shrimp.  Just being in that setting was overwhelming, it was a great time and I cherish it.  Just how big and bold Ted was as a man, it was a moment I will never forget.

Sincerely,
Don Mattingly

Mark Wrote:

Don,

Regarding holding a runner on: I like to put my right foot alongside the home plate side of the bag, with my left foot behind me, usually over the foul line. I've had some umps tell me I can't do this, that I must have both feet in fair territory. Is this correct? Also, when you're holding a runner, once the pitch is thrown, what is the proper footwork to reposition yourself for fielding?

Sure you could hit, but you were the greatest fielder at your position of all time. Thanks for all the years and all the putouts.

Don Mattingly Wrote:

Mark,

Well, I think if I get this right, it must be left-handed first base.  If I am thinking right I try to do the same thing as you do, keep your right foot on the corner, left foot squared to the pitcher.  I remember one year they talked about the foul line rule, I think the rule is true, but no one ever enforced it.  I think your both right, but the rule was never enforced on me so I would not be concerned about it.

After the ball is thrown, cross over with the left foot and get squared up.  That is the most important part, be square and balanced before the ball crosses the plate.  That way you can be ready to go both ways.

Sincerely,
Don Mattingly

Joe Wrote:

Donnie Baseball!

I'm 28yrs.old, I've been a Yankee fan my whole life. Growing up when I played baseball, I wanted to be you. You're the best!

Question: Will it be the same feeling for you when/if the Yankees win the World Series, since you're part of the team and you'll get a ring? I'm only asking b/c you're not a player on the field, so would it be the same for you?

Don Mattingly Wrote:

Joe,

I guess I am not going to be able to answer that since I will never experience it as a player.  It is going to be a great feeling that is for sure, but I can never know if it will be the same feeling, you know what I mean?

Sincerely,
Don Mattingly

Gary Wrote:

Don,

Thanks for the memories! My question is: did you ever consider switch hitting? My son is 12 and he's a pretty good right handed, big kid. Anyway, I've been trying to get him to turn around lefty too, which he's open to, but his coaches aren't patient enough to let him go with it. Of course he's not as good lefty yet, but I've been pitching to him a lot and he's staring to rope them pretty good. Is this a good idea? Is there a good age to start? Why didn't you switch hit?

Don Mattingly Wrote:

Gary,

Well, it is not such a bad idea, if you can do it, I think it always helps.  The earlier the age, the better you can be.  I actually played around with that when I was young because I threw both hands so I thought I could hit both hands.  However, I was never comfortable going right-handed.  I do not think that is too young, keep working with him.  There are a lot of switch-hitters that did not even start practicing until they got to the minors so it is not too late.  If the kid really wants to do it, once he starts he has to keep with it, he has to give it time to develop or you are wasting your time.

Sincerely,
Don Mattingly

Chris Wrote:

Don,

First, I must thank you for inspiring me as a young player. You were and are my baseball hero. I also played first base and by watching you, I mimicked many of your defensive styles and it paid off for me on the field. I loved playing the position. I was just wondering, what made you want to play first base? Was it a position you always played? I know the Yankees stuck you in right field in your first season.

Thanks for everything.

Don Mattingly Wrote:

Chris,

Being left-handed I was always limited.  There are not a lot of choices for left-handed players.  I played it in little league, I played some outfield.  I threw both hands so I played a little bit of everything growing up.  In high school I played first a lot and that is where I was seen by the scouts, so it worked out that way.  I think it was because they saw me playing that position and it stuck with me.

Sincerely, 
Don Mattingly

Susan Wrote:

Dear Donnie,

What does your family like to do when they're in NY? What are some of your favorite things to do in Manhattan? Thank you so much!

Don Mattingly Wrote:

Susan,

I think our favorite thing in Manhattan as a family is Central Park.  We always seem to end up there, it is in walking distance and it is nice to get out of the city environment.  It amazes me that all this land sits in the middle of this huge city.  I always enjoy that part of it, the nature of it.  We get to walk, see people, and just enjoy the park.

Sincerely,
Don Mattingly

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Interview ends here.
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