The agent for New York Yankees free-agent Don Mattingly has confirmed that his client has decided to step away from baseball, for now. A statement issued by the office of agent Jim Krivacs said the Yankees were informed last Friday that Mattingly wanted to put off considering a new contract, but left open the possibility of returning during the 1996 season if he still had the desire to play baseball.

The statement says Yankees' owner George Steinbrenner had been interested in re-signing Mattingly for 1996, and the six- time all-star wants to finish his career as a Yankee. It also says the 34-year-old Mattingly would like to discuss "future opportunities" with New York, apparently leaving open the possibility that he would stay with the organization in a non- playing position.

Yankees' general manager Bob Watson had indicated he wanted to talk with Mattingly about being re-signed for 1996, but he also told reporters he had to realize the money he would get would not be "astronomical." Watson also indicated the first baseman would not be guaranteed a starting position.

Mattingly earned more than 4.4-million dollars last season, and hit .288 in his 128 games. However, he also had just seven homers and 49 runs batted in, low numbers for a starting first baseman. Over the past six seasons, Mattingly has reached double figures in homers just twice and he has not driven in more than 86 runs. In the previous six seasons, Mattingly averaged close to 27 homers and 113 runs batted in per year.

Mattingly has been with the Yankees since 1982. He is seven-time .300 hitter, and led the league in hitting in 1984. Mattingly was the American League MVP in 1985, when he hit .324 with 35 homers and 145 rbi's. He was The Sporting News American League Player of the Year from 1984 through '86, and has won the Gold Glove for first basemen nine times, including 1991 through '94.

Mattingly's career numbers include a .307 average, with 2,153 hits, 222 home runs, 1,007 runs scored and 1,099 runs batted in.

The loss of Mattingly means New York needs a first baseman. Possibilities include signing free agent Fred McGriff or Tino Martinez, who can become a free agent in December, or acquiring Will Clark or Cecil Fielder in a trade.

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