Don Mattingly Turns Down All-Star Coaching Offer, Remains Phillies Interim Manager

Don Mattingly was invited to serve as a coach under Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts for the upcoming All-Star Game in Philadelphia. He declined the guaranteed spot in the American League dugout, citing a personal conflict: his 11-year-old son asked whether the family could attend the Home Run Derby, prompting Mattingly to stay with the Phillies organization instead.

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Mattingly’s 23-year tenure as a major-league manager and coach includes stints with the Dodgers, Miami Marlins and a 14-year playing career as a first baseman for the New York Yankees (1982-1995), highlighted by the 1985 AL MVP award. After leaving his bench-coach position with the Toronto Blue Jays following a World Series loss to the Dodgers, he joined the Philadelphia Phillies as bench coach at the urging of his son Louis. When manager Rob Thomson was dismissed in late April, Mattingly was promoted to interim manager and has posted a 45-24 record, steering the club back into the NL East playoff race.

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The Phillies, led by All-Stars Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, Brandon Marsh, Jhoan Duran, Jesús Luzardo and NL starter Cristopher Sanchez, sit two games behind the Atlanta Braves in the NL East. Mattingly has expressed interest in removing the interim tag and possibly returning for a second season, but he plans to discuss that decision after the season ends.

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Mattingly said his departure from Toronto was motivated by a desire to spend more time with his family. He described his career as “as grateful as can be” and emphasized that, even without a World Series ring, he does not feel unlucky. He indicated that any conversation about his permanent status will be tabled until the offseason.

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• “It is weird being on the other side,” Mattingly said Monday. “I was kind of torn a little bit. But then I go home and my 11-year-old asked me, ‘Do we get to go on the field for Home Run Derby?’ It’s like, OK, well, I’m done with that.” — Don Mattingly, Interim Manager, Philadelphia Phillies

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• “I've done a lot of tremendous things for my family. I don't feel unlucky at all.” — Don Mattingly

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• “The 65-year-old Mattingly said he feels "as grateful as can be" for his career, even if it ends without a World Series ring.” — Don Mattingly

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• “He was kind of like, 'Dad, you can't stop. You've got to keep going,” his son Louis told him, prompting Mattingly to stay in Philadelphia. — Don Mattingly (paraphrased from his interview)

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