BREAKING: Don Mattingly Hired as Phillies Bench Coach

The Philadelphia Phillies have officially named Don Mattingly as the club’s new bench coach on their major league coaching staff for the 2026 season, a move confirmed by the organization on Monday morning. Mattingly, 64, joins Manager Rob Thomson’s staff, bringing decades of baseball experience as a player, coach, and manager.

Phillies President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski and Thomson praised the veteran baseball lifer’s knowledge and leadership. Mattingly replaces Mike Calitri, who shifts into a newly created major league field coordinator role. His hiring completes a significant offseason addition to an already deep Phillies coaching group.

Mattingly’s Legendary Playing Career

Don Mattingly is best known for his 14-season career (1982–1995) as a first baseman for the New York Yankees, where he became one of the premier hitters and defensive players of his era. Known affectionately as “Donnie Baseball,” his career highlights include:

• 2,153 career hits, including 442 doubles.

• 222 career home runs.

• 1,099 career RBIs and 1,007 runs scored.

• .307 career batting average — one of the highest in his era.

• Nine Gold Glove Awards for defensive excellence at first base.

• Three Silver Slugger Awards recognizing his offensive prowess.

• 1985 American League MVP.

• Six All-Star selections during his career.

Although Mattingly’s career coincided with some frustration — most notably never appearing in a World Series despite the Yankees’ successes before and after his playing days — he remains widely respected for his steady excellence and consistency at the plate and in the field.

After the Playing Days: A Life in Coaching and Managing

Following his retirement as a player in 1995, Mattingly transitioned into coaching and managing, carving out a long second act in baseball:

• Yankees Coach (2004–2010): Mattingly began his post-playing career on the big league coaching staff, working under Joe Torre.

• Los Angeles Dodgers Manager (2011–2015): He managed the Dodgers for five seasons.

• Miami Marlins Manager (2016–2022): Mattingly took the reins in Miami and won National League Manager of the Year in 2020.

• Toronto Blue Jays Bench Coach (2023–2025): Most recently, he spent three seasons as a bench coach in Toronto, including helping guide the team to a World Series appearance before departing after the 2025 season.

Across his managerial career, Mattingly amassed a record of 889 wins and 950 losses, reflecting his extensive time leading big league clubs.

Family Ties and Phillies Fit

Mattingly’s move to Philadelphia also carries a personal dimension: he’ll now work within the same organization where his son, Preston Mattingly, serves as general manager.

The hire brings a seasoned baseball mind to one of the NL’s most competitive clubs. With his combination of elite playing pedigree and managerial experience, Mattingly adds a respected voice and steady influence to the Phillies’ dugout as they embark on the 2026 season.