Don Mattingly hired as Blue Jays bench coach

The Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday announced the hiring of Don Mattingly as the club’s Bench Coach under Manager John Schneider.

Mattingly, 61, will serve as Bench Coach following seven seasons as Manager of the Miami Marlins, racking up a franchise-leading 443 wins while taking home BBWAA Manager of the Year honours in 2020. Prior to his tenure in Miami, the native of Evansville, IN, spent five years as Manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers where he owned a winning record in each campaign, including three division titles. Mattingly began his coaching career as Hitting Coach for the New York Yankees in 2004, taking over Bench Coach duties in 2007. He then accepted a role with the Dodgers during the 2008 All-Star break to serve as Hitting Coach, remaining in that role until being named Manager in L.A. prior to the 2011 season.

The former first baseman was drafted by the Yankees in 1979 and played the entirety of his 14-year Major League career in pinstripes. He was selected to six All-Star teams, took home three Silver Slugger Awards, won a batting title with a .343 average in 1984 and claimed 1985 AL MVP honours, leading the league with 48 doubles and 145 RBI. Mattingly also excelled defensively throughout his career, nabbing nine Gold Glove Awards while posting a career .996 fielding percentage.

“It was great getting to know Don throughout this process and we are very excited about the experience he brings with him, from the variety of roles he has had over the years,” said John Schneider, Manager of the Toronto Blue Jays. “The organization and I are looking forward to his impact on the players and staff, as we look ahead to an exciting 2023 season.”

The Toronto Blue Jays are grateful to Interim Bench Coach Casey Candaele, who returns to Triple-A Buffalo to manage the Bisons for the 2023 season. The Blue Jays will announce its full 2023 coaching staff in the coming weeks.