Don Mattingly has decided that the 2025 baseball season will be his final one. A former American League MVP and manager, Mattingly planned to retire after serving as a bench coach in Toronto for one last season, whether or not he achieved the elusive World Series ring he has been pursuing since his rookie year with the New York Yankees in 1983.
Mattingly changed his mind after discussions with his son during a year when the Blue Jays clinched the AL pennant. Despite signing a multi-year deal to work as a bench coach for the Blue Jays under manager Rob Thomson, Mattingly also had conversations with his son, Louis Mattingly, who is the general manager of the Phillies. Louis played a significant role in persuading his father to continue in baseball.
The 64-year-old Mattingly felt he still had more to offer the game after the Blue Jays lost the World Series to the Los Angeles Dodgers in seven games. Working for his son and alongside Thomson, a longtime friend from their Yankees days, Mattingly aims to help players like Bryce Harper regain top form.
Mattingly, who will be entering his 23rd consecutive season as a major league manager and coach, including the past three with the Blue Jays, decided to leave his role as bench coach under manager John Schneider after the World Series.
Replacing Mike Calitri, Mattingly’s addition to the Phillies coaching staff was welcomed by Thomson, who praised his experience, pedigree, and character. Mattingly previously managed the Dodgers from 2011-2015 and the Marlins from 2016-2022, earning the 2020 National League manager of the year award for leading the Marlins to their first playoff appearance in nearly two decades.
Despite his successful managerial career, Mattingly expressed no interest in managing again, citing a lack of energy for the role. As a player, he spent 14 seasons as a first baseman for the Yankees, earning six All-Star selections and captaining the team in his final five seasons.
Mattingly’s Hall of Fame hopes have been dashed multiple times, with his career statistics falling short of induction. Despite occasional optimism, he remains cautious about his chances. The Phillies, who have reached the playoffs consecutively under Thomson, have their sights set on winning the franchise’s first title since 2008, a goal the Mattingly duo hopes to achieve together.