The failure of the Yanks to win the World Series was through no fault of Don Mattingly. He was easily amongst the best in the game in the last half of the 80’s, winning an MVP, multiple Gold Gloves and churning out hits.
Once the 90’s hit, Mattingly’s production steadily declined (though his popularity in the Bronx remained high) due to constant back issues. He finally made it to the Post Season in 1995, and though he performed admirably, the Yankees failed to make the World Series. He abruptly retired at the age of 34 once New York signed Tino Martinez and though he could have still contributed to a Major League Baseball team. Had he continued to play, he would not have been an All Star anymore, but his career numbers may have been padded enough to make him a more serious contender for the Hall. As it is now, the bulk of career stats were generated from six of his years and it appears that the Hall is looking down upon for him it. Regardless of whether “Donnie Baseball” is honored in Cooperstown, he will always be honored in the Big Apple.
Comments
These unwritten rules don't even apply as there are numerous guys in the HOF who don't have 8 great seasons.
Koufax, Morris, Baines, Lindstrom, Perez, Mazeroski, Catfish, Marquard..no ne of these guys had 8 "truly great" seasons
With respect, "unwritten rules" are as meaningless and of as much value as the paper they're written on, if you understand my meaning.
Note: I say this as a lifelong Red Sox fan!
Above average: 88-89,92-93.
His one and only playoff series was great.
As big a Mattingly fan as I was and still am, I just don't see enough in the body of work to get him in.
There is an UNwritten rule requiring at least eight truly great seasons to be eligible.
Mattingly had only six great seasons. He was a great player, but didn't do enough and will never get in.
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