Rodney Woodward sent in this 1985 Don Mattingly card for due consideration of Monster Monday. Looking it over, I say it’s earned it.
The BBWAA did too as they voted him MVP in 1985. Donnie Baseball hit .324 with 35 homeruns and led the American League with 48 doubles and 145 rbis.
What goes unnoticed is that he had 370 total bases followed by 388 the next year!
Mattingly had the misfortune of playing for the Yankees when they weren’t always the best team in the AL. In 1985 and 1986, the Yanks were pretty decent and he fed off of it.
| Split | G | GS | PA | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BB | SO | BA | OBP | SLG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 Totals | 159 | 159 | 727 | 652 | 107 | 211 | 48 | 3 | 35 | 145 | 2 | 56 | 41 | .324 | .371 | .568 |
This is what Rod has to say about Don Mattingly and the card:
I thought in honor of the MLB Network special that was aired last night called “Donnie Baseball”, he could be the Monster Card This is his original print card of his MVP season in 1985. He’s one of the best players I watched when I was a teenager and no doubt would be a Hall of Famer if it weren’t for his back injuries.
As a lot of us say, Don Mattingly’s card “has eights across the top” meaning he has a 31-8 and a 51-8. It also means he will hit pretty well. The fact that he has a respectable amount of 14s (three) shows that it isn’t just because his OBP is low either. It isn’t (.371) and his card is that much better because of it. Oh yes, he has a 15-7.
I’m searching and can find just 13 on Donnie’s card. It’s on the old traditional spot, the 24-13. Don Mattingly is blessed with APBA results like 26-32 and 46-32. Those are numbers that could possibly drive runs in.
Don’t forget, Mattingly is a 1B-5 as a Gold Glove award winner.
A bit of an oddity: 1985 Don Mattingly’s unusual numbers are consecutive. He has a 56-41 and a 61-41.
Thanks to Rod!!
How about Tommy Davis 1962?
Hi Tom – nice article. There may be a few things you want to change though.
*puts on proofreader hat*
“I’m searching and can find just 13 on Donnie’s card.” I’m sure that’s supposed to say “I’m searching and can find just ONE 13…”
“A bit of an oddity: 1985 Don Mattingly’s unusual numbers are consecutive. He has a 56-41 and a 61-41.” I think that is supposed to say ” He has a 56-41 and a 61-37.” I’ve never seen a player card with two 41’s.
Keep up the great work!