Why This Baseball Icon NEEDS to be in the Hall of Fame

Don Mattingly was the face of an entire era. With his mustache, eye black, and hard-nosed style of play, there was no player more recognizable. He was a captain, an MVP, a terrific defender, but somehow never made it into the Hall. That needs to change.
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[@chrisheffernan6600]

Grew up in the 70's and 80's. Mattingly was truly my favorite ballplayer. It was a shame the injuries he had cutting his career short. Really pisses me off he had to retire just 1 year before the Yankee dynasty started. Perhaps if he had that 1996 WS ring, he may have got in the hall of fame. He is a hall of famer in my eyes.

[@njva17420]

I liked Donny Baseball and Louisiana Lightning.

[@stuckinlewiston]

For me the Hall is for the top players during the time they played, Don Mattingly was one of the top players of his era. He belongs in the Hall Of Fame.

[@dagenmoreland3777]

He's not in because he is still active

[@user-nu4rw6gx2f]

Don Mattingly, Keith Hernandez,and Steve Garvey are Hall of Fame worthy.⚾

[@froey198033]

Nah his 2nd half of his career number's killed his chance. Defense just doesn't get you in. Now if he played his whole career like his first half he'd be in the Hall no doubt.

[@MnS101]

@froey198033 How did Ozzie Smith get in, if not primarily for his defense? Mattingly had WAY better offensive stats than Smith. He was just as good defensively, just not as flashy.

[@trauma50disaster1]

@@MnS101 Maybe due to 1st and 3rd being historically considered a stronger hitting positons than short and 2b, which are not traditionally considered as good offensively as the corners. So middle infielders had to rely on great defense to make up for usually the more modest offensive numbers, more so than the corners?

[@Nick-NY]

When I think of my greatest childhood memories, I think of Don Mattingly!

[@Mike-mx1bw]

you and me both

[@lloydkline1518]

Din mattingly not in baseball hall of fame ?? It a crime ; don mattingly ticket got lost in the mail ???

[@Scott.Byrnes]

Same here. I know a lot of folks think 23... and think Jordan. I think Donnie Baseball. He was and is still my favorite player of all time and I'd love to see him in the hall.

[@masonrahal6980]

Mattingly was a top 5 player in the game for roughly 5-6 years. I think that’s important. He wasn’t simply good, he was great.

[@francisalbert1799]

He was probably the best for five years

[@angelicalynn1259]

@@francisalbert1799 From 84-87 people are calling him the best player. Um he literally had a WAR that was 8 behind Boggs. Sorry but that isn't even close. He was never the best defensive first baseman (Keith Hernandez and again not even close). I'm not saying he wasn't good but if you look at just the numbers he is borderline. His one big positive is a career OPS+ of 127. If you want to make an argument for someone to be in the Hall how about Lou Whitaker with a career WAR 35 higher than Mattingly?

[@josephcox3091]

@@angelicalynn1259 You are absolutely NUTS. His WAR is dragged down by the fact that DWAR rates him below average and negative despite winning 9 GG, which I get it, GG are not a good indicator of dominant defensive ability, but the problem is DWAR for first baseman isn't just kind of flawed, it's completely flawed and worthless to measure DWAR on first baseman at least as it is currently calculated. WAR itself is a good indicator but should not be all end all, Mattingly was definitely a guy that played above his WAR especially on bad teams around him, he lead the league every year in total bases by a HUGE margin but could not lead the league in runs by a large margin because his teams sucked. He was a triple crown threat every year of his 6 year prime.

[@acornsucks2111]

Right, but his power numbers dropped dramatically after that. That's just the way it is.

[@themaestro3034]

First game I ever saw live was when I was 6 and sat on the first baseline at yankee stadium with Mattingly right in front of me. The guy has been a class act his whole career. Massive respect for him.

[@dougnewman3935]

Man he was amazing in the '80's. I watched so many games on WPIX and his defense was so far above....and his bat was so dangerous. He had that presence of the top 1% of the game. And work ethic, likeability, humbleness. Only player I ever really teared up at when he was at end of career. Donny Baseball was the perfect nickname. I hope he does get in, he's everything good about baseball.

[@snerdterguson]

WPIX with Scooter and, if I'm remembering correctly, Bobby Murcer. Scooter always left in the seventh inning so he could get home to Cora. And make sure to stop and pick up the canoli

[@dougnewman3935]

@@snerdterguson also Bill White…and back in the ‘70’s Frank Messer

[@snerdterguson]

@@dougnewman3935 that’s before my time. I really started watching when I was 6 or so in 87. But at that age, I really didn’t know anything about who was in the booth.

[@jaybradbury597]

holy cow

[@Joseph-lz5er]

I grew up 20 minutes from Shea Stadium in the '80s when the Mets ruled New York. Basically, almost everyone in my town was a Met fan. But I was one of the few who rooted for the Yankees because of Don Mattingly. I just loved the way he played the game. Especially loved his different batting stances and all the line drives he would hit. My childhood hero.

[@anthonyriche552]

Mets fan here but Mattingly was one of my favorite players. I hated the Yanks but rooted for Mattingly and my batting average went through the roof once I switched to Mattingly's style (the one he used to win the title). I'd have to say he's one of my heroes. He should definitely be in the Hall.

[@ernestpassaro9663]

Look at frank tanana he had great stuff hurt his arm became a junkballer and never had a shot at the hall after that !

[@susanmenegus5242]

My dad was from Brooklyn he was a Yankees fan and he also liked the Mets especially the 86 mets.

[@ernestpassaro9663]

@@susanmenegus5242 my dad was an ex Brooklyn dodger fan became a met fan hated the Yankees I was a Yankee fan lots of arguments lol

[@johndim11]

Life long Red Sox fan. Mattingly is a hall of gamer in my book. Rare combination of power, defensive, and rarely struck out. Class ball player right there.

[@clshep]

I grew up in the 80's however it was on the West Coast, (Northern California) so my allegiance was always to the San Francisco Giants. Still is to this day. But, I loved watching Mattingly at the plate. The way he'd take his practice swing while in the box as the pitcher took his signs from the catcher...flicking the bat into the zone where he wanted his pitch...and how when the pitcher would wind up Mattingly would dip in his stride and with the power in his wrists, the ball would explode off his bat. Yeah, I loved Will Clark's sweet swing but Mattingly....there was something ferocious and violent in his bat speed through the zone that caused baseballs to fulminate off the barrel of his Louisville Slugger. I've never seen anything remotely close to it since.

[@bubhub64]

If Don Mattingly should be in the Hall of Fame, then so should Steve Garvey. Garvey was the best first baseman in baseball throughout the 70s. Garvey had over 2500 hits, has a 294 lifetime batting average, he was a four time gold glove winner, played in 10 all star games, with two all star mvp awards, played in five world series; with two different teams, winning one in 1981, Garvey was in the top 10 in mvp voting 10 times winning the NL mvp in 1974, played in a National League record 1207 straight games. When I think of 70s baseball first basemen when I was a kid growing up in the 70s, Steve Garvey was the man and was the best at his position. It's a shame he's still not in the Hall.

[@axelagosto5196]

Good case,Mattingly is not HOF

[@thecardsaysmoops3]

See this is the problem with inducting marginal cases, for every one you introduce 10 others. Steve Garvey isn't a Hall-of-Famer, nor is Mattingly.

[@bubhub64]

@@thecardsaysmoops3 Sure he is...eventually. You look at someone like Bill Mazeroski who is in the hall....Garvey has a better lifetime batting average, more hits, more RBI's, and more homeruns than Mazeroski. And Mazeroski's in, and Garvey is not? Don't make sense. Hell even Ozzie Smith is in the hall, and he couldn't hit sh*t. Ozzie was great at short stop, but he couldn't hit. You should be great offensively and defensively to be in the hall in my opinion. I was alive in the 70s, and saw Garvey play in person. He was the best. Garvey was the pre eminent first baseman of the NL during that era.

[@thecardsaysmoops3]

@@bubhub64 That's cool if you want to race to the bottom Hall of Fame, I don't. Ozzie Smith is the best defensive Shortstop (an important defensive position unlike First base) in history so not sure what you're talking about. Are you seriously comparing 1B defensive value and SS defensive value?

[@bubhub64]

Mark Belanger as a short stop for the Orioles has the highest fielding percentage in AL history... he's not in. Smith only has 28 lifetime homeruns! Are you f****cking kidding me, and he's in the hall? You know how many times Garvey was able to dig our errant throws from the other fielders....countless times. He saved the Dodgers bacon a multitude of times because of those dig outs. That's a tangible little item you don't see in the stats. Besides, Garvey was the best at his position in the 70's. Ten times Garvey was in the top ten in MVP voting winning one league MVP in 74. Garvey also had a staggering post seaon batting average of .338 with 11 post season homeruns. Garvey was a BEAST in the post season playing in five World Series. Garvey had a lot of bad publicity back in the 80's when he cheated on celebrity talk show wife Cindy Garvey. It was REAL bad publicity especially with the nick name of "Mr. Clean." Garvey needs to be in the hall.

[@wyliestivers2634]

Mattingly was my favorite AL player as I was a Cubs fan. It always seemed like he was having huge games and that season with 6 grand slams was just crazy.

[@glennstevens47]

He also has the tie for 8 consecutive games with a homer

[@lovinghawaii2010]

What an amazing and perfectly put together timeline of what Don Mattingly is to the world of Baseball. All baseball fans that lived to see what he did as a player…. Knows he was extraordinary to the game. Get Don Mattingly into the Hall Of Fame today!!!

[@robertszekely8686]

Donnie Baseball is the greatest first baseman I have ever seen during my time of watching baseball for over 45 years. Both offensively and defensively. If his career had not been cut short because of his bad back he would definitely be in the HOF. I believe that that he should be in the HOF .

[@thecardsaysmoops3]

You say "if his career had not been cut short..." but it was- and that's why he's not in the Hall of Fame. The Hall is for players whose career wasn't cut short, unless someone was clearly dominant like Sandy Koufax. Nomar Garciaparra and Andrew Jones were ]Hall-of-Famers at age 30, and did nothing after age 30. So they aren't Hall-of-Famers. Too bad, so sad. Nomar has a higher lifetime WAR than Don Mattingly in fact.

[@greatloverofmusic1]

@@thecardsaysmoops3 Yep the ole "what might have been" is the lamest argument in the book. If you're a HOFer by the age of 30 then kick-ass if not, too bad.

[@greatloverofmusic1]

The greatest in the last 45 years? You obviously forgot about Mr. Pujols. Hell I think Mark Teixeira was as good a player as was Will Clark and certainly Miguel Cabrera is better.

[@robertszekely8686]

@@greatloverofmusic1 I'm not forgetting about anyone. These are great players that mention here , no doubt. However, I am considering the overall play of Mattingly, both offensively and defensively during his time in the game. I would say he was the best during these years. I'm not saying anyone does not right to disagree. So you don't agree that's your prerogative.

[@robertszekely8686]

@@thecardsaysmoops3 If you feel like he shouldn't be in because he didn't play long enough that's your opinion. I'm entitled to my opinion just like you are entitled to yours.

[@ford982]

Those who hated the Yankees, never hated Donny Baseball. Everybody loved this guy. The heart & soul in pinstripes before Jeter

[@ford982]

I'm guessing he didn't have "enough" Great years in him. (Ex. Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins)

[@redfire2987]

If Sandberg & Puckett are in, Mattingly definitely should be in.

[@joeym2675]

I grew up watching him! My all time Favorite player!! Even if he wasn’t my favorite I would still say if there’s anyone that deserves to be in the Hall Of Fame he does! He’s a hell of coach Also!!! All he went through with his back and trouble hitting he still Never took any performance enhancement drugs! If it was let to the fans he’d been in the Hall Of Fame the day he retired!!!

[@ernestpassaro9663]

Dude you are thinking with your heart not your head the numbers simply aren’t there !

[@babylonian.captivity]

Growing up in the eighties I had a lot of favorite players. Lots and lots. Willie Randolph, Reggie, Bucky Dent, Dave Winfield, Gooden, Rickey, Rod Carew... But Mattingly was a cut above. I loved all those players but Mattingly was a god. That swing. That mix of perfect fluidity, grace, and violent power through the zone. Those wrists of his, my God. You couldn't pitch to the guy, he covered the whole zone with authority and he never struck out. I know these days we're not supposed to believe in clutch hitting but I'm sorry, it's impossible to have grown up watching this guy and and to dismiss clutch hitting as mere fantasy. And his fielding. That glove. That arm. Again, just as he could cover the whole strike zone, so too if the ball was anywhere near him he was going to make the play. He was just amazingly sure-handed. And finally, he was just so classy. Soft-spoken strength. I swear to god I'm fifty years old and I still get all tingly just talking about him. He was the real thing, boys and girls. Like the Beatles.

[@chrisluppy2333]

Yes without a doubt Mr Don Mattingly should be in the baseball HALL OF FAME if not for that injury to his back which he caught through he still is the greatest defensive first baseman.

[@MegaGator39]

Except Keith Hernandez was better.

[@kimkelly5512]

The best in modern times, just behind a guy named Lou Gehrig!!!!

[@dantean]

I'm a lifelong Yankees fan (since 1969, anyway), grew up and still live 6 blocks from the Stadium. I was SO electrified by Donnie's play I had him among the Yankee immortals in his heyday--a list of immortals more impressive than any other franchise's in the history of the game. But Donnie does not belong in the Hall. He didn't do it long enough. It wasn't his fault, it was his back's, but that doesn't change the fact his productivity lasted only as long as it did--5 years--and no longer. Not enough. For me, it starts at 10. Once you've been excellent or above for a decade or more we can talk about including you with the Mickey Mantles, the Willie Mayses, the Stan Musials, and the Babes Ruth (yes, I said "Babes"). Love Donnie, though, as a player AND as a man.

[@chakabegood]

I remember Don very fondly....he truly was one of the very best, fantastic player!! He definitely BELONGS IN THE HOF!!!

[@BlackJaxxx]

Growing up in The Bronx in the 80's I might have a biased opinion but Donny Baseball is one of my favorite players of all time. Put him in the hall.

[@sum-tim-Wong]

I am a life long Rangers fan and I remember him hitting multiple grand slams vs us. There was no player I hated seeing more coming up to bat than him.

[@AdamBalbo]

Thanks for making this. Mattingly was my favorite player when I was a kid. My earliest baseball memories where of his glory years. My dad, a New Yorker, was a Yankees fan, so I was, too, despite growing up in Indiana, where Mattingly is from. It all makes sense.

[@jeffreymcmanus841]

Let him in guys. You can’t measure greatness by rings. Look at his stats and what he did on the field which is why I think he belongs in. Class player. Great work ethic. A true winner in defense.

[@davej.meister5421]

Thurman Munson needs to be in Cooperstown before Mattingly.

[@MegaGator39]

So does Dwight Evans and about 100 other players. Lol. He’s just not a hall of famer. Period.

[@davej.meister5421]

@@MegaGator39 Thurman Munson is NOT a HOF'er? Care to explain your reasoning? Is it really Thurman's fault that he lost his life in a plane crash which unexpectedly cut his 11 year MLB career short? Have you even seen his accolades and career stats? He had a better career BA than Carlton Fisk.

[@MegaGator39]

@Kevin Joe Fo I’m not saying he wasn’t awesome. But he wasn’t a hall of famer. That’s just ludicrous.

[@MegaGator39]

@Kevin Joe Fo it’s really not even a debate. He’s just not a HOFer.

[@oldatarigamer]

He was as dominant in the good years as any player was or could be. Even when he clearly was injured he still managed to be productive and hit for average. Maybe he could have played for a few more years and compiled more hits to get closer to the magic HOF numbers but regardless, he should be in. Those years were not a fluke, anyone who watched him knows that.

[@susanmenegus5242]

Imagine if he did stick around a couple more years he would have won a ring.

[@oldatarigamer]

@@susanmenegus5242 True but then they would have missed out on Tino who was no slouch. Early on, Tino had a tough time and the fans didn't buy in, but it didn't take long for him to be a huge fan favorite.

[@adamfitzgerald911]

Been a Yankee fan since 1976, and to this very day, Don Mattingly was the best Yankee player i have ever seen. Nobody came remotely close. Not Winfield, Not Jeter, Not Juidge. Nine gold gloves, the most in the history of the franchise, as well as having a remarkable 4 year run that equals to some of the greatest players of all time, 1984-1987.

[@grobin3745]

How in the world is this great man not in the Hall of Fame? Smh. ✌

[@trauma50disaster1]

the guy said he hurt his back and lost power like 5 times. smh getting injured is a part of baseball and sometimes shutting down the great ones.

[@marcosc7375]

Well said. Don Mattingly was my favorite player of any sports of all time. What might have been if not for his back issues. Even with that he deserves cooperstown. I am so glad you brought up Sandy Koufax. I always had a beef with that. Yes he had outstanding umbers and World Series but to be in the hall of fame not winning or being close to 200 games. They should take that in consideration when with Mattingly

[@ricogomez4020]

Only reason he deserves is because busters like Ron Santo & Harold Baines were put in.

[@lordofthemound3890]

One of his seasons he had 145 RBI. That was the most since DiMaggio.

[@anthonyriche552]

Well done!! I'm a Mets fan but I followed Mattingly and he was one of my favorite players. I think he should definitely be in the Hall. He was so consistent throughout his career. He batted .307 over 14 seasons- come on now. Add Golden Gloves on top of that and you have the prototypical baseball player.

[@GSP-76]

Yup...9 golden gloves over .300 BA. He absolutely should have been a first ballot HOFer

[@ernestpassaro9663]

First base is what you call a power position either you hit 500 hrs or get 3000 hits otherwise it’s tough to get in Buckner and mcgriff should get in before mattingly Buckner had 2800 hits and mcgriff hit 493 hrs !

[@anthonyriche552]

@@ernestpassaro9663 Those are some massive numbers you're talking. Todd Helton is in the Hall and he hit 369 homers and had 2500 hits while Tony Perez had 379 HR and 2700 hits (roughly). Even the great Orlando Cepeda had 379 homers and about 2300 hits. I'm not sure what the entire voting criteria is because there are still some great players left out of the Hall. McGriff and Buckner are good examples of great first basemen not in the hall (especially McGriff if only going based on numbers). Plus Mattingly only played 14 seasons. Perhaps had he played longer, his stats would have been much higher.

[@ernestpassaro9663]

@@anthonyriche552 it used to be 500 hrs and or 3000 hits would automatically put a player into the hall of fame and 300 wins for a pitcher would do it now players with lesser numbers are getting in

[@ernestpassaro9663]

@@anthonyriche552 oh yes if mattingly doesn’t hurt his back he would have put up hall of fame numbers

[@rhettburgess8753]

How is Mattingly not in the HOF? That is insane!!!

[@EricBussman]

Some of my most cherished childhood memories were watching Mattingly play. Donny was to me as Mickey Mantle was to my father

[@prestonfroelick8613]

9x gold gloves, 6x all star, 8 consecutive games w a home run, 6 grand slams in a season both MLB records. 84 Batting Champion,85 MVP all of this was during the steroid era. Don was clean. For 5 seasons Mattingly was the best hitter not on steroids. Retired with.311 2200 hits.his career cut short by injury but equally compared to Kirby Puckett who was voted in the HOF.

[@edwardhayes6111]

Agree ! Mattingly should definitely be in the Hall. Nobody with his stats is not in the Hall. 307 BA 222 HRS over 1000 rbis and runs. 9 gold gloves. Compare recent Hall enrollee Tony Oliva. Mattingly higher in every category plus he was best 1B in league for his career. Also a great teammate and ambassador for baseball. He must get in.

[@crazyman8472]

Yes, he definitely deserves to be in the HOF. 😎

[@theearl1477]

Being a Yankee fan I'm going to be labeled as being biased for my comments. I was born when Mickey Mantle began dominating baseball. If I were to put together the best Yankee team in my lifetime Don Mattingly would be my first basemen. For five seasons he was the best player in MLB. Not to diminish many of those who were previously enshrined the HOF, but "Donnie Baseball" has proven to most he deserves a spot among other baseball greats as well. If Sandy Koufax can make it why not Mattingly?

[@GlorifiedTruth]

You make the best case here. What's kept Don out was the relative brevity of his greatness. There are lots of players like that, and it's often not the player's fault, but that's how it goes. But the comparison to Koufax is interesting. Maybe if Don had been forced to retire at the height of his playing skill, the way Sandy did, he'd have had a better chance.

[@quellenathanar]

I watched him dominate during his peak. I saw him hit top-end pitchers when his peers struggled. I put a lot of weight on peak over longevity. If he would have played a few more years and batted .270 with 80 RBIs he would be in. Personally, I don't care about a player who is pretty good for 20 years. Anyone of many players has done that. Watching greatness is what fans come to see. Windfield was my favorite player back then, but Donny was a close second. That 1985 offense was something special. His swing was excellence in motion. He had this way of moving his hips in sync with the location of the pitch. His weight was always back, and in the perfect position to drive the ball. He wasn't physically impressive like some of his contemporaries, but man could he square up a baseball. His defense was marvelous, and his baseball IQ was genius-level.

[@superbrownbrown]

*Donald Arthur Mattingly belongs in the Major League Baseball Hall Of Fame. Period.*

[@stuartross4904]

I lived in upstate NY back then, had the privilege of watching him on TV and once in person. Best pure hitter and fielder of his generation.

[@MnS101]

There's no question Donnie Baseball belongs in the Hall of Fame. He was the best in all of baseball for several years.

[@carmelaruck7116]

I'm a Sox fan and Donny deserves the hall. You don't play baseball...you live it and Donny did! These HOF sometimes are BS they don't cover what they were to the game...Just stats. Sure Stats are important but what players mean to the game are so much more. - From a Red Sox fan

[@ifbfmto9338]

I don’t know how you can say ANYONE deserves to be in the hall of fame when Barry Bonds isn’t And yes David Ortiz did test positive for a PED in the early 2000s so no you have no legitimate basis to say Bonds ‘cheated’ because of steroids Sorry, not sorry 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@carmelaruck7116]

@@ifbfmto9338 I didn't say ANYONE deserves to be in the Hall. Read the post. Just because Barry isn't in the hall don't get all butt hurt.

[@ifbfmto9338]

@@carmelaruck7116 Lol ok………. I’m just saying the hall of fame is worthless 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@Nick-NY]

Respect!

[@TheBatugan77]

@@ifbfmto9338 @Carmel Aruck Why don't you two ladies take your cat fight to the ladies room? #CoupleOfCunts

[@STONESGAM]

He belongs in the hall no question. Great offensive player and defensively. He doesn't have a ring or the immediate lifetime stats to have gotten in immediately but that was due to his back injury. He was still a .290 or .300 hitter even after he lost his power from the injury. There are guys who "compiled" more impressive lifetime numbers but that was because they played a long time and managed to stay injury free. Other first basement that are in were never at his level in their prime. He was one of the best all around players in baseball for a solid 6 year run and a superstar....hit for power, average and was a gold glover. Won an MVP. Plus now with having a run as a manager too he certainly should get in at least by the Veterans committee.

[@EricBussman]

This makes me tear up. I just want to cry watching old Mattingly clips. They WERE my childhood

[@Delmarvafishing]

When the Yankees were terrible in the 1980's and early 1990's, there was only Mattingly. In addition to that, it's a well known fact that Mattingly's mustache couldn't be killed by conventional weapons.

[@Delmarvafishing]

@Kevin Joe Fo I also mentioned the early 90's when they really only had Mattingly and Matt Nokes and dudes that would fail drug tests. The Yankees didn't win anything until 1996 and that team wasn't as dominant as the later ones. They were terrible especially when Donnie Baseball was missing significant time

[@RICK74ist]

My favorite player since I was a kid. I hope he gets in someday. A great player and an even better human being.

[@stoytrivia1126]

The ultimate hall of fame conundrum: A guy who absolutely should be in the Hall of Fame based on talent and performance, but whose career was shortened and hampered by injury so the numbers put him on the borderline. No right answer. I suspect Donnie will have to be content knowing that all of us know that he was one of the very best players of an entire generation in the game. That swing was a thing of beauty and that catch near the end that he makes sprinting back over his head like it's absolutely routine??? Oh my god... So happy he killed it in his one playoff appearance. It's like a nice reminder saying, "By the way, I could have done this every year if you are wondering.."

[@christopherbarker181]

Up until the back injury Don Mattingly was the best first baseman I ever saw. If it wasn't for that injury there is no telling what his final stats would have been. Kieth Hernandez is right there too.... he was smooth as silk!

[@frankguidera6828]

For 6 years he was the best player in baseball and the only thing talked about.

[@steve3602]

Great video - and I agree totally. Before his back gave out on him he was arguably the best player in Baseball, both offensively and defensively. He belongs in the Hall of Fame.

[@dtibbs23]

Awesome video! Mattingly does deserve to be in the hall.if he didn’t have the back injury he would have been a shoe in

[@dannynhl9441]

The last Yankee game I went to at the old stadium was Don Mattingly Day. I haven't been back to the bronx since. I'm okay with that last game memory. Had to use my old brain and realize the last 3 Yankee games I went to was Mickey Mantle Day, the first Yankees/Mets Interleague series June 97 and then Don Mattingly Day.

[@Everythingis22]

I went to his restaurant in Evansville during the baseball strike and he came out as our our waiter. “Gotta do something to make a living” he told us. 😂

[@davidperez909]

Easily a Hall of Famer without the back issues. I grew up watching Donnie Baseball. Loved him.

[@Leevan3]

incredible video, kudos. brought back so many memories and made me very upset as well, that 23 just missed the world series in 1996 and not be voted into the HOF its kind of a tragic story

[@dandyer2616]

I cant believe he's not there,,,a great talent. I'm a Dodger fan, but can't deny his greatness

[@matsalvatore9074]

Thanks for everything donny baseball ⚾️ The one bright spot in a dark era

[@marcusp5828]

I’ve heard my share of analysis on the subject, and as a lifelong Mattingly fan, I can tell you this is by far the best one. Great analysis, great articulation of facts. No doubt, Donnie baseball belongs in the hall.

[@jamesroof6150]

Yankee fan since early 1960's. Since then my top 5 favorite Yankees. Mickey Mantle, Thurman Munson, Don Mattingly, Mariano Rivera, Derek Jeter. Aaron Judge obviously present favorite. He's our Captain. Mattingly might have been my most favorite.

[@VromanEmpire]

I was at that infamous pine tar game! My grandfather took me to that one and many more! What a crazy moment in sports history

[@gregorymercado213]

He belongs in the Hall of Fame no doubt about it he played the game with respect and passion and dignity he was a class act let's be real there are some players that don't even belong in the Hall of Fame however this man does he worked hard at it and he was very successful in everything he done as a Yankee ball player thumbs up for Donnie baseball straight out of Brooklyn 🇵🇷💪🏾

[@shanemahler6830]

He was such a great player, one of my hero's growing up. It's a shame he isn't in the Hall

[@lirider3932]

I grew up on those hazy summer days in the 80's watching the Yankees on channel 11 in NY lose...lot of people loved him, had "hit man" posters on their wall but I never saw him do anything that made him stand out. I guess he was consistent? Now we all wanted to be Craig Nettles for example...

[@brentcline2109]

Absolutely agree! Include Hernandez since we're talking first baseman.

[@paulbegley1464]

I remember there was talk about a trade for Mattingly for Will Clark. I'm glad it never happened, I didn't want to give up Clark and I doubt that NY fans wanted to give up Mattingly But it was at least one of the fairest trades I ever heard about. Two great players.

[@trauma50disaster1]

I don't know why people have a problem saying he just got hurt and he didn't get to put up those great numbers for another 5 years. It's just part of baseball. Maybe another guy didn't train with crazy intensity and allowed his back not to be crushed, or just bad luck, or genetics. It doesn't matter it didn't get done. Yes, I was a kid and impresionable back in his prime so I look at him as great. But as an adult I can objectively read the numbers and realize it just didn't last long enough, and it doesn't matter why.

[@garyyost5568]

I miss the Mattingly Yankees era. Despite the Yankees not winning any Championships that was still a fun time for me getting to watch the Yankees when I could.

[@dm5852]

A great, great, ballplayer and if not for serious back problems he'd be a shoo-in for the HOF for he put up Gehrig like numbers. From what I see he needs to be in the HOF anyway, I call him the Bill Walton of baseball. I'm admittedly biased though because Donny Baseball was and still is my favorite Yankees player.

[@LongIslandBK]

Donnie Baseball and Keith Hernandez both deserve it

[@darrellmfume4020]

yes, Mattingly Buckner, Garvey, Dave Parker, Mark Grace, Keith Hernandez, and Pete Rose should be in the Hall. All GREAT players.

[@frankanderson4113]

Anyone who was a baseball fan in the eighties knows that Don Mattingly belongs in the hall of fame. He was the best player in the majors for close to a decade. He was so good when healthy that it was stupid. And he did everything the right way. Biggest snub ever.

[@MegaGator39]

No. Like. He’s just not a hall of fame caliber player. 222 homers. 1000 RBI. 1000 runs and 2,000 hits is NOT hall of fame worthy. You’re wrong.

[@thecardsaysmoops3]

@@MegaGator39 I agree. If ifs and buts were candy and nuts it would be Christmas everyday.

[@ricogomez4020]

No.

[@frankanderson4113]

The HOF should not just be about hitting numbers imo. Anyone could see what happened to Mattingly. If not for the injury, he would've far surpassed every necessary numerical benchmark. He was an obvious HOFer for most of a decade who got injured and could no longer play like he did before. But he proved.that when healthy, he was a HOFer.

[@frankanderson4113]

@Kevin Joe Fo I just don't feel that anyone should be excluded due to an injury if they proved they were a HOFer on the field for.several seasons. You should compare his healthy seasons to the same amount of years of other HOFers and see how he stacks up. No one will ever convince he doesn't belong. Dave Parker too for that matter.

[@jm7578]

Don Mattingly and Aaron Judge are my two favorite baseball players ever. Don Mattingly had something about him that I think most players didn’t have I guess it was like that right timing right moment and something awesome would happened

[@emirramos990]

He was a great player. If not for his deterioration due to those bad disk in his back, he would have been a first ballot hall of famer and probably the first Yankee to reach 3,000 hits.

[@BaseballTimeMachine]

Agreed!

[@robertszekely8686]

So true.

[@lavonbarnes9238]

2aO

[@ernestpassaro9663]

Stop it with this shit neither mattingly or Munson are hall of famers and I have been a yankee fan since 1974 !

[@emirramos990]

@@ernestpassaro9663 Did you read the part where I said " If not for his deterioration due to those bad disk in his back, he would have been a first ballot hall of famer." You must have not read my complete comment or didn't comprehend it.

[@yosefyahu4778]

Hit for average, hit for power, gold glove feilder, super disciplined and humble! Just imagine if he didn't get injured!

[@jamespgray6928]

Donnie is my all-time favorite player. The man could do anything.

[@JB-nj6de]

Great video! Thanks for the post! Donnie was a legend and my favorite player ever!

[@TheMAGGuitar]

The poster over my bed as a kid was none other than Donny Baseball.

[@randycollins7910]

I've been a Yankees fan for a long long time that goes back to The Mick and I've stayed a Yankees fan through the years when the Yanks weren't all that good. If Don Mattingly doesn't get into the Hall of Fame well then brother there is something fundamentally wrong with that whole process of getting into The Hall. Just do what's right and show some class the same way Matt did during his playing career. Donnie personified being a Yankee and most any fan of baseball would agree he deserves to be there. Go Yanks!!

[@BermudaBrian]

Excellent video. My 1st baseball hero was Dale Murphy and his career parallels Mattingly's.... Donnie was my 2nd baseball hero. I collected all of his cards from the early to mid 80's and had his poster in my room. Thx for video!

[@rogertayloRRR]

People LOVE this guy so much.. Hes basically more famous than many hofers

[@thawkereynolds]

I was game 2 of 95 since then I’ve been to about 10 post season games and I’ve never heard the stadium blow up like it did when Donny hit that home run vs Seattle

[@Nick-NY]

I had tickets for that game, but the Pope was in New York and I had to work in a protection detail. I hope that gives me a free pass to heaven when I die. I was at game 1, so I’m glad I got to see his first post season game at least.

[@BluesImprov]

I hear ya about Mattingly. . .But there are a number of players with stats like his who aren't in the Hall. I'm an older fan and my favorite as a kid was Ken Boyer of the Cardinals. Look at his stats, they are almost identical to Mattingly's and Kenny isn't in either. Boyer also suffered a back injury after his NL MVP season in 1964 and his offensive numbers went way down after that. Ken was a 5-time Gold Glove winner at 3rd base, 1964 NL MVP, 7 time All-Star 3rd baseman, Captain of the Cardinals, and helped the Cards win the '64 World Series with a Grand Slam in Game 4 and another HR in Game 7. Boyer was one of the very best 3rd basemen of his era but has also been overlooked. I think you have to have really huge stats these days to get in. Sadly, both Mattingly and Boyer's injuries really lowered their final numbers.

[@jefffinney4233]

he damn sure should be in the Hall. even all of his peers voted him the best player in the game during his era

[@drewskij2175]

To me there are three things we should consider for Donnie Baseball being in the HOF. 1. These is no better defensive first baseman in the history of the game, yes he was better at his position than Hernandez and my god Hernandez was magic at first. 2. Injuries have shortened the career of other HOF'ers and they were considered, for example Puckett and Kiner (maybe not injuries). 3. That stretch from 84-89, there was nothing better in the 80's, the was peak performance.

[@ChiroJohnston]

Look, if Harold fucking Baines is in the HOF Mattingly definitely deserves to be in.

[@duewhit310]

Even after the career altering back injury, he was still hitting high .280s and .300s DM was a triple crown contender in good health and a gold glover.

[@jimbob9828]

Mattingly was an MVP, Won a Batting Title and 9 Good Gloves. Not enough yet more than most in hall.

[@DJ_107]

As a Mets fan born in 2004, I truly believe that Don Mattingly deserves to be in the hall, not just for what he’s done on the field but for the huge impact he’s made on many lives. He definitely would’ve been in if his injuries didn’t end his career early. Cooperstown is incomplete without Donny Baseball

[@ernestpassaro9663]

Mattingly only has like 222 hrs and less than 3000 hits if bill Buckner is not in with 2800 hits than mattingly shouldn’t get in !

[@thecardsaysmoops3]

@@ernestpassaro9663 Bill Buckner had a lifetime 15 WAR that's like 2 seasons for a dominant player.

[@ernestpassaro9663]

@@thecardsaysmoops3 doesn’t matter he played long enough to accumulate almost 3000 hits

[@ernestpassaro9663]

I also believe if David wright didn’t come down with the same injury he could have been a hall of famer

[@ernestpassaro9663]

Bob Horner with the braves looked like a sure hall of famer then injuries ruined his career

[@someperson8151]

I swear he called his shot in one game. I think against Detroit. He stuck his bat out and held it toward left center. He held that for about 10 seconds, then the pitch was hit over the left-center wall.

[@phillv]

my #1 memory of donnie is i went to a dh early 90s, i could be wrong but i think it was the stump merrill era and nobody cared about the yankees had about 20,000 fans then, you could walk up to the box office bf a game and sit inside the bases for less than $20 donnie was injured and supposed to go on the dl the next day so he wasnt playing but the second game was close and donnie pinch hit late and lined a ball just inside the right field line i think it tied the game and the 15,000 or so in the stadium went crazy

[@davidperez909]

Remember those days well. Just walking up to the box office with $20.

[@Diggerdog2nd]

Without the back injury this video never would have been made. Still though he deserves to be in the Hall. Defense is rarely considered. Good offence can produce runs, but equally so good D prevents runs. Both equally important.

[@chadreeves403]

I hang his memorabilia in my garage like a shrine. GREAT all around hitter and solid first baseman.

[@brianfarkas8172]

Ahhh Donnie Baseball, Dave Winfield, Ricky Henderson. I found these guys on channel 11 WPIX in the 80’s. I was at Don Mattingly day by coincidence. They gave him a horse.

[@Arizonadude]

Cool video, I like the sound affects and the way you do it. It’s smart!

[@aeiq1219]

Beautifully well done report...indeed, Donnie Baseball should be in Cooperstown.

[@RWildekrav66]

Mattingly was a Great player , I just assumed that he was in the HOF ! Vote him in ASAP

[@mramisuzuki6962]

Alan Trammell was the litmus test now Mattingly and Rollins. I believe they both should be in, both were great and were fun for the league. It’s the Hall of FAME not the hall of playing for 23 years.

[@j.w.4514]

Alan Trammell is a hall of famer. a top ten shortstop of all time.

[@mramisuzuki6962]

@@j.w.4514 Top player at 3rd most important position in baseball took 22 years to get in. Ok. I’m glad the Tigers have such good and loyal fans.

[@kevinleclerc9632]

Don Mattingly !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! #1

[@MariposaEdits]

lifetime cardinals fan but loved watching that man play.

[@danielbonner8309]

It is called the Hall of Fame. Mattingly was one of the most popular players in that era. Not only cause he was one of the best players but because he was an awesome down to earth dude. No link to steroids, no controversys, I mean come on.

[@toddsands6000]

When I think of Don Mattingly, I think of other legends from other sports that struggled to enter their Hall-of-Fames. For the Pro Football Hall-of-Fame, I scratch my head to this day on why Joe Jacoby and Cliff Branch are not inducted. In basketball, I think of Bernard King and Bobby Jones. Those two players were finally inducted despite being left off the ballot for more than two decades. I fully understand the rules committees are extremely different for each sport. There is no doubt the National Baseball Hall-of-Fame is the most stringent. And the Basketball Hall-of-Fame appears to be the easiest. Do I believe Don Mattingly is Hall-of-Fame worthy? If you view his stats, I understand why he still hasn't been voted in. If you base Don Mattingly's worthiness on impact to the game? No doubt about it.

[@mountart2]

There's no doubt, Donnie belongs in the Hall!