FILE - Then-Miami Marlins manager Don Mattingly smiles after throwing a ball to fans before a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, in Milwaukee. Mattingly is joining the Toronto Blue Jays as bench coach to manager John Schneider, the team announced Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022. (AP Photo/Jon Durr, File) (Jon Durr, AP)
Donnie Baseball is heading north of the border. Yankees’ legend Don Mattingly is back in the American League East as bench coach for the Toronto Blue Jays, the club announced on Wednesday.
“It was great getting to know Don throughout this process and we are very excited about the experience he brings with him, from the variety of roles he has had over the years,” manager John Schneider told MLB.com. “The organization and I are looking forward to his impact on the players and staff, as we look ahead to an exciting 2023 season.”
Mattingly has spent the past seven seasons as manager of the Miami Marlins where he compiled a 443-587 record. The two parties agreed to mutually part ways after last season
“I am proud and honored to have served as manager of the Marlins for the past seven years and have enjoyed my experiences and relationships I’ve developed within the organization,” Mattingly said. “I look forward to spending time with my family in Evansville [Indiana], and to any future endeavours.”
“We are fortunate to have had Don Mattingly leading our team on the field over the last seven years,” said Marlins’ owner Bruce Sherman. “He has represented the Marlins, our players, our fans, and the South Florida community with unmatched dignity and pride.”
Mattingly was named 2020 NL Manager of the Year — the first Marlins manager to win the award since Joe Girardi — when he led his club to the postseason during the shortened COVID season. The 61-year-old has 12 years of managerial experience as he spent five seasons with the Dodgers from 2011 to 2015.
The former first basemen spent his entire 14-year playing career with the Yankees. Mattingly won nine gold gloves, three silver sluggers, one batting title and took home the 1985 AL MVP award. The Evansville, Ind., native also began his coaching career with the Yankees. He was the Bombers’ hitting coach in 2004 before joining the Dodgers organization in 2008.
Now, Mattingly will be behind enemy lines as bench coach for the young Blue Jays.
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Originally published at Tribune News Service