"ASK DON" - 1997

Questions Don Answered On His "Ask Don" Web Site



1996 / September 10, 1997 / September 16, 1997 / September 29, 1997 / October 27, 1997 / December 13, 1997 / 1998

Answers From September 10, 1997:

Ryan MacDonald, age 11 writes:
Don, do any of your sons play in Little League and do you coach any of their games now that you are home more often? Me and my dad Mike are a team. He is both my pitching coach and my best friend. Also, will you ever come back to the Yankees as a coach, etc.?
Don - "Ryan, all my boys play ball (ages 6-12), so they play in different levels. I don't coach officially yet, but I do some at home. I do have a interest for coaching down the road at the Major League level. Good luck with your baseball team!"


Steven Michalik writes:
I wanted to start by saying that I am a huge fan of yours. You are my favorite player of all-time. I was at your retirement day on August 31st and you are the Captain and first base will always belong to you! My question is, will you ever consider returning for Oldtimers Day? It wouldn't be complete without you. Thanks for the memories.
Don - "Steven, thanks for emailing and the very kind words. I would love to play in an oldtimers game sometime in the future. If I ever get to play in one, I hope to see you there!"


Well, I have been a little behind on my email due to everything going on right now. Please keep checking back here as I get caught up on answering your very kind letters and questions.
Answers From September 16, 1997:

Rob Brandenburg from Baltimore, MD writes:
Don, what did the 23 ring the Yankees presented to you look like? Can you show a picture of it on the web?
Don - "Rob, we will try to get a picture of it online. It is really beautiful."


Chris Garbarino (a senior at UNC-Chapel Hill) writes:
I drove up to Yankee Stadium on August 31st to watch you retire. I've been to Yankee Staduim a bunch of times and thats the first time in a long time I haven't seen an empty seat. Why do you think so many adore you in a city as tough as New York?
Don - "Chris, it really is a mystery to me, but it is very much appreciated!"


Denise (age 13) writes:
Hi, I am a very big fan of yours! I went to Don Mattingly Day at Yankee Stadium and it was very awesome. Anyways, I play fast pitch softball and I am a pitcher and a first baseman. I was wondering if there is an easy way to hit fast pitching?
Don - "Easy? I'm afraid it really just comes down to practice, practice, practice and always listening to the coach!"


Greg (age 8) writes:
Is it true that if you throw a curveball when you are younger than 17, it can ruin your arm?
Don - "Greg, I'm not really sure of that, but I discourage my boys from throwing them! Work on locating your fastball in and out along with developing your change up. It's one of the best pitches in baseball!"


Answers From September 29, 1997:

Mark Kalmbach writes:
Don, It was a pleasure watching you play baseball at Yankee Stadium over the years. You were the main reason I would trek out to the stadium to see a game. You are a true Yankee. My question is that during the 1995 playoffs, you really seemed to rise to the occasion. Was your back bothering you during the playoffs or did you just put that out of your mind? Also, what were your feelings about the 1994 strike which kept the Yankees out of the World Series?
Don - "Mark, I felt great during the 1995 playoffs. As for the 1994 baseball strike, it was disappointing, not just because we didn't get a chance at the World Series, but how all of baseball suffered."


An America Online member writes:
Don, I was just wondering if you wished Buck Showalter was there on the field when you had your number retired? I would also like to hear your comments on having Joe Torre and David Cone present you with your jersey. Cone only played with you for one year and Torre never managed you.
Don - "I talked with Buck prior to that day and he didn't want to take away from the day with any controversy. As for the presentation, I was very honored that Dave and Joe presented the Jersey to me. I have a log of resepect for both of them."


Anthony V. from Bronx, NY writes:
Don, what kinds of music did you listen to, to get pumped up for a game or a workout?
Don - "It really depends on what kind of mood I was in! Mostly more upbeat music to get me going. On occassions where I was really juiced, I listen to more calm music to keep me more on a even keel."


Answers From October 27, 1997:

Susan, Eddie and Ryan Mulvey write:
Don, Having just returned from the stadium, congratulations!!!!! on such a momentous occasion. As a lifetime Yankee fan, and a fan of yours from your first days as a Yankee, I was proud and honored to be a part of your day. I wish the best always for you and your family. You represent all of the best that is part of "The Yankee Tradition". On that note: Would you like to come back into the Yankee family in another role? Perhaps as a coach or manager?
Don - "Yes, we are talking right now about doing some things in the organization. Thank you very much for writing your kind words."


Answers From December 13, 1997:

Adam Litvinoff (age 14) writes:
I am one of your biggest fans. I'll bet everyone tells you that, but it's true. I may not know all of your stats by heart, or what shoe size you wear, but I'll tell you one thing. I always have and always will respect you. You never gave up, never quit, never performed less than your best each and every day and I respect you for that. I always stood up for you and although you probably never knew it, I was always cheering for you. I would love to see you play once more, but I understand and respect your decision to retire. You did the right thing and I am proud to say to you that you were always my favorite player, person and role model. Now, I'm not asking for autographs or anything like that, but I also play baseball and if you could drop me a line with some words of wisdom, I would appreciate it.
Don - "Adam, thanks for your very kind email and I really do appreciate your support over the years. My best advice would be to always have fun playing, keep the game in perspective and do your best. It is always enough!. "


Donna MacDonald writes:
I know your wife is very heavy into showing horses. I was just wondering if you guys ever compete in Upstate New York (near Albany). I use to ride and show and would love to see you guys. My whole family are big fans of yours. I wish I could have been there at Yankee Stadium on August 31st. Thanks again and best of luck in your retirement!
Don - "Donna, we mostly show in our area. Lexington, Louisville, Atlanta, North Carolina and Kansas. Thanks for emailing! "


Reid Shilling writes:
My name is Reid Shilling and I was born and live in Baltimore. I am a big Yankees fan and I always will be! My father is good friends with Gene Monahan and Donnahew (Yankee Trainers). Last year when you went to the Mickey Mantle memorial week of dreams and you did a hitting display, my father was catching. I believe that Ron Guidry was pitching. We have about 8 pictures of you hitting with my father catching and some others with you and him. Well, I wonder if you are really going to read this and if you do, please email me!
Don - "Reid, It's always good to hear from a Yankee fan, especially from Baltimore! I really had a great time at Mickey's Camp. Say hello to your father for me and thanks for emailing me."


Best regards to all my fans!

All the questions on this page are Copyright 1997, Digicom Consulting, Don Mattingly. They were all available at one time on Don Mattingly's Official Web Site




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