Last year, I made contact on Twitter with an author who is writing a book about fans of the Yankees dynasty kicked off by their World Series victory in 1996. During our phone interview, I mentioned that the first big league game I remember attending took place at the previous iteration of Yankee Stadium on April 20, 1992. I continue to wonder whether any part of our conversation will end up being published.
I still recall that the team gave away calendars sponsored by the now defunct White Rose Food Division on that day. Charlie Hayes, who would gain plenty of fame by catching the final out of the ‘96 series, started at third base. Batting second that day was one of the squad’s few bona fide stars: first baseman Don Mattingly. In that contest, he went 0-for-4 in a 3-1 loss to Cleveland. However, Mattingly batted .288 for the season to go with his usual excellent fielding.
On May 11, I received an email from the staff at Fanatics inviting me to view Mattingly’s upcoming virtual appearance. I had done this once before with current Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge, so I asked to be included. That triggered a response telling me that there was one more spot for a fan to have a brief conversation with Mattingly and receive an autographed baseball. Dear reader, I could not accept quickly enough.
I was the final “live” fan participant, so my segment is around the 18-minute mark on this video. My iPad was having difficulties, but at least that gave me time to switch to my phone in order to enter the “backstage” section of the virtual meeting. I prayed for no further technical difficulties, and thankfully everything went well in that department.
When I was finally introduced to Mattingly, I was overcome with excitement. Despite his welcoming demeanor, the segment was definitely a blur to me. I do remember speaking with him about the time difference involved when watching East Coast games in California. I also asked him about the proudest aspect of his career, a query that I had submitted for pre-approval. This might sound dramatic, but I really felt lucky to be alive in that moment.
Mattingly ended his career after a gut-wrenching playoff loss to the Mariners in 1995, but many fans of the Yankees credit him with bringing honor to the franchise during some lean years. His career included countless achievements: six All-Star appearances, nine Gold Gloves, and the 1984 batting title just for starters. Mattingly also helped create a positive team culture by mentoring rising stars like Derek Jeter, who made his debut during the 1995 campaign. The only Yankee Stadium number retirement ceremony I have attended in person was for Bernie Williams, but I would have loved to see #23 enshrined in Monument Park as well.
Prior to hiring Dave Roberts, the Dodgers tabbed two former Yankee icons as manager. The first was Joe Torre, who guided the Yanks to four titles in five years from 1996-2000 and began managing Los Angeles in 2007. Mattingly would join the coaching staff in 2008 before succeeding him as manager in 2011. Following his stint in the City of Angels, the man known as Donnie Baseball accepted the Marlins’ managerial position in 2015.
Receiving my paycheck is always nice, but this past Friday had the added excitement of being the day I received the personalized baseball that Mattingly signed for me. I immediately took to Instagram after opening the blue inner box emblazoned with the Fanatics logo.
Perhaps one day I’ll get to shake Mattingly’s hand. It doesn’t seem that far-fetched when I realize that I live down the street from a baseball card shop that routinely hosts autograph signings by former members of the Angels and Dodgers. Even if I never make his acquaintance in person, this was definitely the next best thing.