In a heartwarming turn of events, baseball icon Don Mattingly has decided to postpone his retirement and will continue his career in a new role. The 1985 American League MVP, who had planned for the 2025 season to be his last, has signed a multi-year deal to become the bench coach for the Philadelphia Phillies. This move brings him into a unique professional dynamic, as he will now be working under the leadership of his son, Phillies General Manager Preston Mattingly.
A Son's Persuasion and a Renewed Mission
The decision to step back from retirement was significantly influenced by Mattingly's family, particularly his younger son. Eleven-year-old Louis Mattingly played a pivotal role, encouraging his father to continue his baseball journey. Don Mattingly shared the touching conversation, recalling how Louis insisted, "Dad, you can't stop. You've got to keep going." This family input, combined with Mattingly's own reflection after the Toronto Blue Jays' seven-game World Series loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, convinced the 64-year-old that he still had more to contribute to the sport.
Mattingly's initial plan was to retire after serving as a bench coach for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2025, a role he held under manager John Schneider. He felt his mission in Toronto—to help guide a talented young manager—was accomplished. Following the World Series, he left the Blue Jays and has now been appointed to replace Mike Calitri, who transitioned to the Phillies' major league field coordinator position.
A Storied Career and the Elusive Championship Ring
Don Mattingly's baseball resume is illustrious. He spent his entire 14-year playing career (1982-1995) as a first baseman for the New York Yankees, earning six All-Star selections, the 1985 AL MVP award, and serving as team captain for his final five seasons. Despite a stellar .307 career batting average with 222 home runs and 1,099 RBIs, his career was hampered by back injuries from 1990 onward. A poignant note is that he never reached the playoffs until his final season in 1995, where he excelled but the Yankees fell to the Seattle Mariners.
His pursuit of a World Series championship has continued into his coaching and managerial career. He managed the Los Angeles Dodgers from 2011 to 2015 and the Miami Marlins from 2016 to 2022, winning the National League Manager of the Year award in 2020 after leading the Marlins to their first postseason since 2003. However, the ultimate prize has remained just out of reach, a quest he now continues in Philadelphia.
New Chapter with the Phillies: A Family Affair
The move to Philadelphia is rich with narrative. Not only does it reunite Mattingly with his son Preston in a professional capacity, but it also reunites him with Phillies manager Rob Thomson, a friend from their shared history with the New York Yankees. Phillies manager Rob Thomson praised the addition, stating, "We're adding a great voice, a guy that's had a lot of experience doing this, great pedigree and we're adding a really solid, solid guy to a great coaching staff."
Mattingly has ruled out a return to a manager's role, citing energy levels, but sees great value in his new position. He expressed excitement about the opportunity to potentially help star player Bryce Harper, a fellow MVP and first baseman, rediscover his elite form. The Phillies, who have won the NL East for two consecutive seasons and made four straight playoff appearances under Thomson—including a 2022 World Series berth—are hungry for their first title since 2008.
For Don Mattingly, this new chapter represents a chance to combine family, friendship, and his enduring love for baseball in one final push for the championship that has eluded him for over four decades. As he put it, "To be able to do it with him, would be incredible." The baseball world will be watching as this unique father-son duo aims to make history in Philadelphia.
