Don Mattingly announced that the 2025 baseball season would mark his retirement. After deciding that his final role would be as a bench coach in Toronto, Mattingly had a change of heart following discussions with his son. His son, Louis Mattingly, played a significant role in convincing him to continue in the game, leading Mattingly to reconsider his decision.
The 64-year-old Mattingly chose to extend his career after the Blue Jays lost the World Series to the Los Angeles Dodgers. He will now work as a bench coach under Canadian manager Rob Thomson for the Philadelphia Phillies, where he hopes to contribute to the team’s success and potentially assist players like Bryce Harper in reaching their peak performance.
Mattingly, who has been involved in Major League Baseball for 23 consecutive seasons, expressed his commitment to helping the Phillies coaching staff and bringing his wealth of experience to the team. He replaces Mike Calitri as the Phillies’ major league field coordinator.
Having previously managed the Dodgers and the Marlins, Mattingly stated that he has no plans to return to a managerial role, citing a lack of energy for the position. Despite his impressive career as a player and coach, Mattingly fell short of Hall of Fame induction and remains realistic about his chances.
The Phillies, under the leadership of Rob Thomson, have been successful in recent years but are yet to secure a World Series title. Mattingly and his son share the goal of winning a championship together with the Phillies, highlighting the special opportunity for them both in the upcoming season.
