Mattingly's Influence on Me and My Interview with Donnie Baseball

Me with Preston and Don Mattingly in 2008It is hard to put into words the influence Don Mattingly has had on my career.  Way back when I was a little Lance all I wanted to do is be a Major League Baseball player.  That was that.  I knew I would make it to the bigs, and I never doubted it for a second.  I loved baseball.  I played it year round.  I even made up different types of baseball games that my childhood friends and I would play both indoors and out.

So when I got to junior high school, the counselor called each student into his office one at a time.  I guess it was supposed to be “it’s time to grow up and mature” speech.  In his office, the counselor asked me what I was going to do for a living when I grew up.  Without hesitating for a second, I confidently said, “I’m going to be a baseball player.”  The counselor kind of gave me an odd look.  I remember it was the first time that there was even a hint of doubt that my goal would not be achieved.

To the counselor’s credit he did not crush my dreams right then and there in that green vinyl chair.  He actually gave me some hope.  He asked me if I had ever heard of Don Mattingly.  I said no.  He told me that Mattingly had just been brought up to the New York Yankees and that he was from Evansville.  “Wow!” I thought. 

At that very moment, Mattingly gave me hope that I could also make it all the way.  My counselor also quickly pointed out that the chances were very remote, but it was possible.  To his credit, he gave me a major dose of reality that helped me onto the career path that I chose.  However, it was Mattingly that showed me that you could be from Evansville and achieve your dreams.  I was not a Yankees fan, but I did root for Mattingly.  Of course my idol was Cal Ripken.  I always remember right above the main doorway at Mattingly’s restaurant on the eastside was a picture of Mattingly and Ripken. I loved that picture.

Anyhow, I think it is very noble of Mattingly to always remember where he came from.  Unlike most athletes that achieve the success that Donnie Baseball has, he did not run off to some big city or tropical paradise and leave his past behind.  Mattingly still lives in Evansville.  You can see him at Aces games, or at a restaurant, or at his annual fundraiser the Night of Memories put on by the Tri-State Hot Stove League.

Mattingly and the Night of Memories has raised over one million dollars over the years, and this past Saturday they brought in $114,000. 

Don couldn’t treat me any better.  He has asked me to emcee the rountable between all of the pros the past three years.  It is the highlight of my work year.  Here I am just the son of a mailman and a sportscaster in a small Indiana city talking with some of the greatest legends in their sports.  Even more impressive is getting to spend time with Mattingly behind the scenes and having him treat me with so much respect.  That is how he treats everyone.  Whether you are the person in charge of the food, or the guy responsible for the audio, or Bob Gibson, Mattingly treats you like you are just as important as the next.

When I was backstage, Don’s son Preston Mattingly was also back there.  Preston was talking to some of the workers, and it was “yes sir”, and “no sir.”  I just smiled knowing how Don has raised him with those same Midwest values.

I couldn’t ever thank Mattingly enough for his influence on not just me, but all of the people he has affected in the Tri-State.  Every up and coming pro (in any sport) point out what Mattingly means to them.  While the over one million dollars will go a long way for Tri-State youth…you cannot put a price tag on what Don Mattingly means to our city.

Here is my interview with Mattingly from Saturday Night.  I hope you enjoy!