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Don Mattingly Online - September 2005 Interview

.: September 2005 Interview :.

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Interview begins here.
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Susan Wrote:

Dear Donnie,

When you were playing, what were your feelings during Opening Day? Did you ever get nervous? Thanks!

Don Mattingly Wrote:

Susan,

Opening Day was exciting.  I am sure I was a little nervous.  I think I was always nervous at the start of the seasons.  It was like a new experience every year and I was nervous yet excited to see how it was going to unfold.

Sincerely,

Don Mattingly

Carrie Wrote:

Hello Don,

I was wondering if you are related to Ken Mattingly the Astronaut?  It's just something I have always wondered about. Thank you for your time.

Don Mattingly Wrote:

Carrie,

I would think I would know if I was and I am fairly sure I am not because I have not heard that name mentioned as relation.

Sincerely,

Don Mattingly

Jim Wrote:

Howdy Don,

I live in Wisconsin and recall a couple of Yankee/Brewer games from the early 90's in which you almost, or did hit a home run. After seeing that, I knew you were a Yankee great. My question is: "How does it feel to be honored with the same respect that Ruth, Gehrig, DiMaggio, Mantle, Maris and Reggie Jackson all had?"

Don Mattingly Wrote:

Jim,

Well, it feels great to be in that category, but I never really felt comfortable in that category because I never placed myself there.  To hear my name mentioned with those great legends is an amazing feeling though.

Sincerely,

Don Mattingly

Hitman Wrote:

Hi Don,

How did Lou Piniella help you develop your power stroke?

Don Mattingly Wrote:

Hitman,

Nice Name (smiles)

Lou really taught me to swing and how the swing works.  He helped me to use my body, and how it was all part of the swing.  He taught me how to use my bottom hand, which is really your power hand.  I guess he was the guy that showed me how to create power and shorten my swing just a little bit to help create back-spin.  The back-spin he taught me how to do created more power.

Sincerely,

Don Mattingly

Zack Wrote:

Don,

I know you get a lot of questions about professional baseball, but what was it like in high school, at Reitz Memorial High School, was it more fun because it was not about money, it was just playing it to have fun, and have fun by winning?

Don Mattingly Wrote:

Zack,

I loved playing in high school.  My coach was great, I learned a lot and it was always fun to win.  Those are times you never forget.  Playing in the Majors was not really all about money either.  Playing at that level and competing at that level there is just nothing like it.  I know publicly people sometimes think it is all about money.  Of course it is part of it because it is there, but that is not what it was about for me and I know many players that are in it for the game and not the money.

Sincerely,

Don Mattingly

Patrick Wrote:

Don,

Thanks for many years of showing us how baseball should be played.

You have a full season under your belt as the hitting coach of the Yanks, I know Sheffield is the fastest bat in the league, but in your opinion, which Yankee is the greatest pure hitter?

Don Mattingly Wrote:

Patrick,

Well, we have lots of talent in our club.  A guy like Alex is a great talent, great swing, pretty much a pure hitter.  Matsui is solid and he can do a lot of things.  Sheffield has obviously shown over the years that he can do it all.  Even though he his getting older he has been a guy with great stats and continues to be.  Jeter is another guy who always gets it done.  We have had many guys fill that slot, and it would be way too hard to single it out.  Like the last question, I have too many favorites to choose one.

Sincerely,

Don Mattingly

Joe Wrote:

Don,

In your opinion, who is the best left handed hitter of all time?

Don Mattingly Wrote:

Joe,

Looking back I have seen many great hitters.  The guys that I have personally seen were guys like George Brett, Cecil Cooper, and Tony Gwynn, Rod Carew, just to name a few.  I am sure I am missing a ton of guys and those were just a few that came to mind.  It would be really difficult for me to pick one.

Sincerely,

Don Mattingly

Vince Wrote:

Dear Mr. Mattingly,

Can you tell me about the home run you hit in the 1995 playoffs? I noticed you started hitting with a little leg kick earlier in the year.  Is that something you'd recommend for younger hitters?

Don Mattingly Wrote:

Vince,

My home run in that game was on a change-up.  I was using a leg kick the latter part of that year and it really helped me.  Hitting with a leg kick is sometimes tough for younger players and I would not really recommend it.  I think sometimes kids are learning to hit with a leg kick anyway, so I think it just kind of happens.  I would not recommend teaching it to younger kids though.

Sincerely,

Don Mattingly

Ron Wrote:

Don,

My 6 y/o Son is nervous about getting hit by the baseball when he's at the plate.  Are there any tips you could give me to calm him down?

Don Mattingly Wrote:

Ron,

Well, I personally think 6 years old is a bit early to be hitting live pitches.  Maybe right now it should be hitting from a tee, or some Wiffle ball, or rubber balls.  Try a type of ball that is not hard for him to learn off of so there is no fear developing.

Sincerely,

Don Mattingly

Luke Wrote:

Don,

I am swinging late when I am at bat. Can you give me a tip on how I can correct my timing?  I am 10. Thank you.

Don Mattingly Wrote:

Luke,

At the risk of sounding stupid, start your swing sooner.  I would need to see your actions in all seriousness to give you some good mechanical advice.  Try to begin your swing earlier, as the ball approaches, than you are used to.  If you concentrate on hitting ground balls it usually shortens up all aspects of your swing which will help you in the long run.

Sincerely,

Don Mattingly

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Interview ends here.
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