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Mattingly Joins Yankees Immortals Ex-Mvp, Batting Titlist, Slugger Has His Uniform Number Retired

Associated Press

Once again, Don Mattingly was standing at first base soaking in the cheers of a sold-out Yankee Stadium.

He was back there after receiving a tribute that only the New York Yankees can give. Wearing his No. 23 again Sunday, Mattingly threw out the ceremonial first pitch from the position he had played for 12 seasons.

Mattingly, who missed out on New York’s World Series title last year after spending 12 seasons with the club, became the 15th Yankee to have his jersey number retired by the team.

Accompanied at the ceremony by his wife Kim and his three sons, Mattingly was also honored with a plaque in the ballpark’s monument park beyond the outfield wall, joining Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Mickey Mantle and other Yankees greats.

Mattingly, a six-time All-Star who stopped playing after the 1995 season because of ongoing back problems, had trouble expressing his appreciation for the tribute.

“I don’t know what I did to deserve this,” he told the crowd. “None of this would be possible without unbelievable teammates over the years, coaches and managers. To all of them I am thankful. They’ve been great teachers for me and I hope I’ve left something for them.”

Mattingly received gifts including two cars, a golf cart and assorted television and stereo equipment. But the biggest cheers came when he was presented with a No. 23 career ring by current star Tino Martinez, who succeeded Mattingly at first base.

Mattingly, 36, officially retired on Jan. 22 after sitting out the 1996 season. His outstanding career ended following his only postseason appearance in the 1995 playoffs.

In 13 seasons, Mattingly hit .307 with 222 homers and 1,099 RBIs. A nine-time Gold Glove winner, he won the 1984 American League batting title with a .343 average and was named the 1985 MVP after hitting .324 with 35 homers and 145 RBIs.

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: RETIRED NUMBERS The 14 uniform numbers which have been retired by the New York Yankees, with name and year retired: 1 - Billy Martin (1986) 3 - Babe Ruth (1948) 4 - Lou Gehrig (1939) 5 - Joe DiMaggio (1952) 7 - Mickey Mantle (1969) 8 - Bill Dickey and Yogi Berra (1972) 9 - Roger Maris (1984) 10 - Phil Rizzuto (1985) 15 - Thurman Munson (1979) 16 - Whitey Ford (1974) 23 - Don Mattingly (1997) 32 - Elston Howard (1984) 37 - Casey Stengel (1970) 44 - Reggie Jackson (1993)

This sidebar appeared with the story: RETIRED NUMBERS The 14 uniform numbers which have been retired by the New York Yankees, with name and year retired: 1 - Billy Martin (1986) 3 - Babe Ruth (1948) 4 - Lou Gehrig (1939) 5 - Joe DiMaggio (1952) 7 - Mickey Mantle (1969) 8 - Bill Dickey and Yogi Berra (1972) 9 - Roger Maris (1984) 10 - Phil Rizzuto (1985) 15 - Thurman Munson (1979) 16 - Whitey Ford (1974) 23 - Don Mattingly (1997) 32 - Elston Howard (1984) 37 - Casey Stengel (1970) 44 - Reggie Jackson (1993)