Mattingly to join NL All-Star coaching staff

Interim manager Don Mattingly, who has led the Phillies to their turnaround after a woeful April, is joining the National League All-Star coaching staff when Philadelphia hosts the Midsummer Classic at Citizens Bank Park on July 14, Major League Baseball announced on Thursday.

Bob Nightengale of USA Today originally reported that Mattingly was joining the Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts’ staff earlier this month. 

Mattingly did not offer a confirmation on the report when asked at Citizens Bank Park during the team’s series against the Chicago White Sox. 

“I can confirm that Dave reached out. That’s probably more MLB’s decision to do with whatever they do with the announcement of it,” Mattingly said to the media when asked after Nightengale's report was released.

Mattingly joins St. Louis Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol on the NL staff as an honorary coach, joining the Dodgers staff. On top of being named a six-time All-Star during his 14-year playing career, Mattingly will be making his third coaching appearance in the All-Star game after previously serving on Joe Maddon’s NL staff in 2017 at Miami and also in 2015 with Bruce Bochy for the senior circuit’s team in Cincinnati. 

“Any time you can be involved in the All-Star game, obviously it’s an honor,” Mattingly said. 

The former New York Yankees slugging first baseman made six consecutive All-Star appearances from 1984-89, solidifying himself as one of the most feared hitters of the decade. Of the six trips he took to the showcase game, Mattingly said his first one in 1984 stands out the most. 

“Probably my first one, just making it,” Mattingly said. “Rod Carew reached out; he was on the team. He was the guy I watched as a kid, patterned hitting after and Rod signed a bat for me and brought it to me. So yeah, that first one with Rod reaching out.” 

Mattingly entered the game as a pinch-hitter, going 0-for-1 in a 3-1 American League loss.

Fans can still get their final votes in for their favorite Phillies with Phase One of the voting ending on Thursday. Fans can vote here. 

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