Don Mattingly Joins Phillies Coaching Team
A New Role in a Familiar City
Don Mattingly, a legendary figure in baseball, has taken on a new role as the bench coach for the Philadelphia Phillies. This move brings him back to the city where his son, Preston Mattingly, serves as the team's general manager.
A Career Spanning Decades
Mattingly's extensive experience in the major leagues, spanning 23 years, makes him a valuable addition to the coaching staff under manager Rob Thomson.
From Player to Coach
- Playing Career:
- Spent 14 seasons with the New York Yankees.
Earned six All-Star selections and an MVP award.
- Coaching and Managing:
- Led the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Miami Marlins.
- Won the National League Manager of the Year award in 2020.
Recent Success with the Blue Jays
Before joining the Phillies, Mattingly was the bench coach for the Toronto Blue Jays. The Blue Jays had a strong season, making it to the World Series but ultimately losing in seven games to the Dodgers.
A Strategic Move for the Phillies
Rob Thomson expressed excitement about Mattingly's addition to the coaching staff, highlighting his deep understanding of the game and strong character as key assets.
Building on Recent Success
The Phillies' recent performance has been notable, including winning the NL East for the second consecutive season. However, they were eliminated by the Dodgers in the NL Division Series.
Adding Mattingly to the coaching team is a clear sign that the Phillies are focused on improving and making a deeper run in the playoffs next season.