Don Mattingly Joins Phillies Coaching Team

Don Mattingly, a well-known 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, serves as the team's general manager. Mattingly's extensive experience in the major leagues, spanning 23 years, makes him a valuable addition to the coaching staff under manager Rob Thomson. Mattingly's journey in baseball is impressive. He started as a player, spending 14 seasons with the New York Yankees, earning six All-Star selections and an MVP award. After retiring as a player, he transitioned into coaching and managing. He led the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Miami Marlins, even winning the National League Manager of the Year award in 2020.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. Mattingly's decision to leave Toronto and join the Phillies shows his commitment to continuing his coaching career with a new team. Rob Thomson expressed excitement about Mattingly's addition to the coaching staff. He highlighted Mattingly's deep understanding of the game and his strong character as key assets. This move is seen as a strategic step for the Phillies, aiming to build on their recent success, including winning the NL East for the second consecutive season. The Phillies' recent performance has been notable, but 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.