Archive · 6 Jan 2026
Don Mattingly Joins Phillies as Bench Coach
Don Mattingly, a famous former baseball player and manager, was going to retire after coaching the Toronto Blue Jays.
But his son, who is the general manager of the Philadelphia Phillies, asked him to join their team as a coach.
Mattingly changed his mind and decided to coach the Phillies instead.
He wants to help the team win a championship and spend more time with his son.
Mattingly has a lot of experience and has won awards for his playing and managing.
The Phillies have been good recently, winning their division for the last two years, but they haven't won a championship since 2008.
Mattingly is excited to work with his son and help the team win a title.
Don Mattingly, former MLB player and manager, hired as Phillies bench coach, reuniting with his son Preston, the team's general manager.
Mattingly initially planned to retire after coaching the Toronto Blue Jays but changed his mind after talks with his son and to continue contributing to the game.
He will work under manager Rob Thomson, replacing Mike Calitri, and aims to help the Phillies win a championship.
Mattingly has extensive experience, including managing the Dodgers and Marlins, and was the 2020 NL Manager of the Year.
The Phillies have reached the playoffs four straight seasons but are seeking their first title since 2008.
- Who
- Don Mattingly, former MLB player and manager, and his son Preston Mattingly, Phillies general manager
- What
- Don Mattingly hired as Phillies bench coach, reuniting with his son
- When
- After the 2023 World Series, starting in 2024
- Where
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Why
- Mattingly changed his retirement plans after meaningful talks with his son and to continue contributing to the game
- Don Mattingly
- Former MLB player and manager, 1985 AL MVP
- Preston Mattingly
- Phillies general manager, Don Mattingly's son
- Rob Thomson
- Phillies manager
- Mike Calitri
- Former Phillies major league field coordinator, replaced by Mattingly
- Toronto Blue Jays
- Team Mattingly previously coached, won AL pennant in 2023
- Los Angeles Dodgers
- Defeated Blue Jays in 2023 World Series
- Philadelphia Phillies
- Team Mattingly is joining as bench coach, reigning NL East champions
- Bryce Harper
- Phillies first baseman, former MVP