Don Mattingly, ready to create his own Field of Dreams after a one-year retirement, is expected to meet with Yankees owner George Steinbrenner within two weeks to discuss his possible return to the team.

"I know Mr. Steinbrenner is very busy right now, but they both indicated that they will get together in a face-to-face meeting as soon as the opportunity presents itself," Mattingly spokesman Ray Schulte said Monday.

Mattingly, 35, viewed the World Series with his family at home in Indiana rather than accept Steinbrenner's invitation to attend the games in New York. Schulte said Mattingly told him Sunday that it was an enjoyable Series to watch.

"In his heart, Don is a Yankee," Schulte said. "He was very excited for the team, especially for his [former] teammates. He was also a little saddened by the fact that he was not a part of it. He would have loved to have been there with the guys, but he is very comfortable and very confident with his decision [to walk away] before the season."

Schulte said the six-time All-Star's top priorities are to play for a contender -- like the defending champion Yankees -- and to be promised a significant role that would likely include at least 400 at-bats. Mattingly said he would be willing to split his time between first base and the outfield or as a designated hitter.

"Don's a very loyal person and, given the ideal situation, he'd love to play for the Yankees [again]," Schulte said. "He's looked at the Yankees and even though the team may be disassembled next year, Cecil [Fielder] is under contract and Tino [Martinez] did a great job and will be there for another three years.

"So, there may not be a role for Don on the Yankees. But nothing is set in stone until he talks with Mr. Steinbrenner."

Although Mattingly might not return to the Yankees as a player, he'd like to resume his career in pin stripes after his playing days are over.

"In his heart, he just wants to play baseball," said Schulte. "But once he's played, I know he'd love to talk to Mr. Steinbrenner about a consulting job or even a spring training situation. Don told me, 'I'd love to just go down to spring training and work with the young guys.' "

Mattingly, a free agent, batted .307 with 222 home runs and 1,099 RBI in 1,785 games with the Yankees from 1982-95. He won the 1984 American League batting title and the 1985 AL Most Valuable Player award, but his produciton subsequently declined because of injuries. He missed 54 with back spasms in 1990 and had surgery for wrist tendinitis in 1993.

Mattingly announced following the 1995 AL Division Series, during which he batted .417 in the loss to Seattle, that he was going to take some time off to be with his family. Within the last month, he began investigating a comeback.

"The only thing he's thinking about right now is getting on the field and playing," Schulte said. "He missed being on the field. He didn't miss the travel and all of the baggage that goes with it. But I think he's able to deal with that now.

"From a family perspective, they are urging him to make that decision. He's already started working out. And physically, he said he's never felt better."

By PAUL DOTTINO

Copyright © 1996 Bergen Record Corp.