Don Mattingly has decided that the 2025 baseball season will be his last. The former American League MVP and manager plans to retire after serving as a bench coach for the Toronto Blue Jays, regardless of whether he finally captures the elusive World Series ring he has been chasing since his rookie year with the New York Yankees in 1983.
Mattingly had initially made up his mind to retire but changed his decision after meaningful discussions with his son, Louis Mattingly. These conversations, along with his new role as bench coach under Canadian manager Rob Thomson, influenced his choice to continue in baseball.
The 64-year-old Mattingly, who has been a major league manager and coach for 23 consecutive seasons, including the last three with the Blue Jays, felt he still had more to offer the game after Toronto’s loss in the World Series to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Mattingly will be joining the Philadelphia Phillies as a bench coach, working alongside his son Preston Mattingly, who is the general manager of the team. His experience managing the Dodgers and Marlins, where he was named the 2020 National League manager of the year, brings valuable expertise to the Phillies coaching staff.
Despite his decision to retire from managing, Mattingly looks forward to contributing to the Phillies’ success and possibly helping the team, led by Rob Thomson, secure their first World Series title since 2008. Mattingly’s son, Preston, will also play a significant role in their shared journey towards achieving this goal.