MAYOR GIULIANI PRESENTS THE KEY TO THE CITY TO NEW YORK YANKEE LEGEND DON MATTINGLY
The Mayor Also Proclaims Sunday 'Donnie Baseball' Day
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today presented the Key to the City to New York Yankee Legend Don Mattingly at a City Hall proclamation ceremony. Today's ceremony comes on the eve of Don Mattingly Day at Yankee Stadium, where his number '23' will be officially retired.
"Tomorrow, tens of thousands of fans will gather at Yankee Stadium to honor Don Mattingly," Mayor Giuliani said. "For ten years, Don was a double threat for the Yankees. At the plate, Don had a lifetime batting average of .307 with 2,153 hits and 222 home runs. In the field, few matched his agility and grace at first base. You always knew that when the Bombers needed a late-inning hit or a dazzling defensive play -- Don would always be there with an opposite field game-winning double or a diving catch to save a victory.
"At his core, Donnie loved baseball and his actions on and off the field honored the game and the many Yankee legends who preceded him," the Mayor continued. "Teammates and competitors alike speak highly of this man who played his heart out inning after inning. Yankee fans embraced this ballplayer whose work ethic reminded them of the hall of famers they had watched as children. Don was not only the Yankee captain -- he was Donnie Baseball.
"On behalf of all New Yorkers, it is my great honor to present Don Mattingly with the Key to the City and to proclaim Sunday, Don Mattingly Day in New York City. He is the newest Yankee legend," the Mayor concluded.
During his ten year career with the Yankees, Don Mattingly compiled the following career statistics: a .307 batting average; 2,153 hits; 222 home runs; 1,099 RBI; and 1,785 games played. Mr. Mattingly won the American League Batting Title in 1984 and was named the American League's Most Valuable Player in 1985. He holds the Yankee records for most hits (238 in 1986) and doubles (53 in 1986) in a single season. He was also a defensive wizard winning nine Gold Gloves for his play at first base.
On Sunday, August 30, Mayor Giuliani will join thousands of baseball fans at Yankee Stadium for Don Mattingly Day festivities. Don and his wife Kim will see his number '23' officially retired.
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