LA Dodgers Need To Be Grateful
The LA Dodgers would not be where they are today without the help of Don Mattingly.
With this time of year, I’m personally thankful for everything I have in life, and for all my sports teams.
Even though many of them haven’t brought a championship of their respective sport back to their home town.
One of those teams, in particular, is the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Dodgers haven’t brought home a World Series title since 1988, and have had the opportunity, and expectations, to bring the World Series title back to Los Angeles for the last three years, but have come short each year.
Why you ask?
I honestly don’t know, but I’ve always came to the conclusion that it was because of the Dodgers manager, Don Mattingly.
Now, he can’t control how well his players play, but when a team as talented as the Dodgers can’t bring home a World Series title in the second wealthiest city in the United States, Someone has to take the blame.
With that being said, Don Mattingly also did make some dumb moves, and mistakes that made Dodgers fans go crazy.
As well as not being able to lead, or manage the most expensive team in the MLB to a World Series title.
Fortunately, the Don Mattingly era is now over, and a new era has begun in Chavez Ravine with Dave Roberts as the new manager of the Dodgers.
As we now can blame or cheer for another person besides Don Mattingly to lead this year’s Dodgers team to the playoffs for a fourth consecutive year, and get a shot to win the World Series.
Among everything I’ve said so far.
It’s also hard not to give credit and to Don Mattingly’s service as the Dodgers manager.
I don’t believe any Dodgers fans should hate, or say that Mattingly was a horrible manager, just because he couldn’t lead a very talented team to a World Series title.
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Just think of this.
When Joe Torre managed the Dodgers, Don Mattingly was the special assignment hitting coach from 2008-2010.
In 2011, Don Mattingly then took over managerial duties after Joe Torre retired after the 2010 season.
Don Mattingly ended up leading the Dodgers to an 82-79 record in his first season, and increased his win total every year, except for his last year with the Dodgers.
He did keep the Dodgers above .500 every year, and in the playoffs in his last three years with the Dodgers.
You also have to mention that the Dodgers’ manager job was Don Mattingly’s first managerial duty in the MLB.
Not to mention, he also managed the Dodgers to a winning record while the divorce battle between the Dodgers owner Frank McCourt and his wife took over the news in the Los Angeles area in his first season.
I would also like to acknowledge that Don Mattingly became the first manager in Dodgers franchise history to lead the Dodgers to the playoffs for three consecutive seasons.
Don Mattingly left the Dodgers with a regular season record of 446 wins, 363 loses with a .551 win percentage, and postseason record of 8 wins, 11 loses with a .421 win percentage.
Hopefully, you’ll be able to thank Don Mattingly for everything he’s done for the Dodgers.
Bottom Line: It’s not all Mattingly’s fault.
For now, it’s time Dodgers fans to move on from the past.
As we welcome Dave Roberts as the new manager, and await for what Roberts and the front office of the Dodgers do this off-season.
To get the team to contending for the World Series next season.