Don Mattingly Biography

Fast Facts

• His number with the New York Yankees, 23, was retired in August 1997 and had a plaque dedicated to him at Yankee Stadium
• Was drafted by the New York Yankees in the 19th round of the MLB amateur draft in 1979
• Played as a first baseman for the New York Yankees from 1982 to 1995
• Would go to the local sandlot with his two older brothers every day as a child to practice baseball
• Quote: "I think the time that I really think about the most is just being called up and walking into Yankee Stadium for the first time ․․․ And at that point, just realizing the dream to get to the big leagues․"
• Quote: "You can only lead by example․ A real leader doesn't blow his or her own horn․ They are judged by the actions they take and by results․"
• Quote: "I never felt I was as talented as some other players․ I played from the heart․"
• Best known as a baseball player for the New York Yankees and, later, a coach and manager for the Los Angeles Dodgers
• Started out as a hitting coach for the New York Yankees in 2004 and later became a hitting coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2008
• Appeared in an episode of "The Simpsons" called "Homer at the Bat" in February 1992