Tampa - Just call him Donnie Six-Iron.

It appears that the former Yankees captain is taking his retirement seriously. Not only has Don Mattingly removed himself from the game of baseball, he's decided to drop out of the public eye as well. The reclusive Mattingly was in nearby Oldsmar yesterday for a team-sponsored golf tournament, but chose to avoid the gathered group of media at all costs.

Principal owner George Steinbrenner hinted last Thursday that Mattingly would be flying in from Evansville, Ind., for the Gold Shield Foundation's seventh annual Sports Celebrity Golf Classic. But he arrived in a shroud of secrecy and wanted to play his appointed round in much the same fashion.

Reporters were chased off the grounds of the East Lake Woodlands Country Club, under threat of arrest. "No interviews are allowed," said one country club official, "especially with Don Mattingly."

Mattingly gave advance notice to the private club that he did not want to face the media. Ever since he stepped aside last November, clearing the way for the acquisition of Tino Martinez, Mattingly has not given an indication of his plans. He became a free agent after last season and there still is speculation he will return to baseball - with another team - later this year.

David Lennon

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