Monday, October 29, 2007

Donnie Baseball Speaks

Courtesy of PeteAbe:

Don Mattingly’s agent, Ray Schultze, just released this statement:

“Don was extremely disappointed to learn today that he wasn’t the organizations choice to fill the managerial vacancy. Instead, he was informed the organization offered the position to Joe Giradi.

Don feels both Joe and Tony Pena represent true professionalism both on and off the field and he was honored to be among them as candidates for the managerial position. Don extends congratulations to Joe and wishes him and the organization good luck next year!

Today is a very difficult day because managing the Yankees was Don’s aspiration and goal since becoming the hitting coach four years ago. Even though this opportunity has passed him by he wants to thank Mr. Steinbrenner for his initial faith, inspiration and support throughout his playing and coaching career.

Don will use this time to reflect on this experience while considering future family and career options. In the meantime, he did inform the Yankee’s that given the circumstances he won’t accept a coaching position within the organization during 2008.”

It's a sad day to see Donnie Baseball go, but we believe Joe Girardi was the correct choice as manager.

5 comments:

  1. The Yanks made the right decision, its too bad that Donnie took it the wrong way..BUT, if you look at his stats as hitting coach the percentages were better in the year before and the year after he left. I'm just saying that's something to consider.

    ReplyDelete
  2. The Yanks made the right decision, its too bad that Donnie took it the wrong way..BUT, if you look at his stats as hitting coach the percentages were better in the year before and the year after he left. I'm just saying that's something to consider.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I don't see anything wrong with his statement. He's obviously hurt by not being selected and that's understandable.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I'm just saying that I'm surprised he isn't coming back and that it was an all or nothing situation for him. I honestly think that it is in the best interest of his legacy too.

    Nice site by the way.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Oh I'm not surprised he didn't come back. It's kind of like a dead end job for him at this point. Plus it would be uncomfortable.

    He coached with the sole purpose of getting the managerial job.

    Thanks for the feedback!

    ReplyDelete