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What's your fave Don Mattingly card?
MLBdays
Posts: 1,359 ✭✭✭✭✭
This one is mine ( this card is up for sale on Ebay) .... tough pop. and the greatest
action shot of one of the finest pure hitters this game has ever seen..here is a card that sells itself....who doesn't like this gritty determination? .....I wish card companies put a little more focus into the quality of the photo for the end product to the consumer...this shot is hands down killer! Any agreement? IF not show me yours..I hope he gets into the HOF....
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That is a classic Mattingly shot. You can see the post hit body language always there even in this still shot. Plus this was taken at the height of his effectiveness...
ISO 1978 Topps Baseball in NM-MT High Grade Raw 3, 100, 103, 302, 347, 376, 416, 466, 481, 487, 509, 534, 540, 554, 579, 580, 622, 642, 673, 724__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ISO 1978 O-Pee-Chee in NM-MT High Grade Raw12, 21, 29, 38, 49, 65, 69, 73, 74, 81, 95, 100, 104, 110, 115, 122, 132, 133, 135, 140, 142, 151, 153, 155, 160, 161, 167, 168, 172, 179, 181, 196, 200, 204, 210, 224, 231, 240
Mine is two for the title with Winfield.
I would have to agree that the 86 Topps is a pretty awesome card of Mattingly, and probably my favorite mainstream cards of his, as well.
I've had this one in my PC since probably around 1986, as I believe it came attached to either just one or a pair of Franklin batting gloves. So, while I'm sure it's not quite what the OP was looking for, for personal nostalgia reasons, this is my favorite Mattingly item. While not really a card, I find enjoyment in collecting things that not "everyone" has.
I just love everything about this close-up (except for the airbrushed helmet). The eyes intensely focused on the pitcher, slightly crouched, the eye black, the mustache and accompanying stubble, the cutoff long sleeves under the uni, to the wristbands and Franklin batting gloves, and topped off with a facsimile signature. Everything about it just shouts Donny Baseball!
1984 Topps is probably my second favorite. Mattingly's worst card maybe has to be the 85 Topps (especially because that was his MVP season), sandwiched in between his 2 best. Showing a profile shot of a slow guy leading off of second base?! I know he was for awhile a doubles machine, but that card has always been a downer for me. They could have certainly picked a better photo than that.
I love the '86T, too, and I own it in a 10. My favorite is the '84T, and I'm also very fond of the '84 Fleer. Why this guy is not in HOF escapes me. If we're talking about "Fame," this guy takes the cake. Everyone knew Donny Baseball in his day, and people still look back at the '80s and say his name. I'm not a Yankees fan, but I am a Mattingly fan.
Andy
Topps reproduced that '86 look on his 1991 card.
That is a really nice looking Mattingly 86 psa 10. Deserving of the grade.
In the course of every human endeavor since the dawn of time the risk of human error has always been a factor. Including but not limited to field goals, 4th down attempts, or multiple paragraph ramblings on a sports forum authored by someone who shall remain anonymous.
My favorite is the 93 Finest. But all present well for DM here.
I like the 84 topps. It shows him wearing his original number, 46.
Did anyone in history "look" the part of baseball player more than Donnie baseball? I think not.
George Brett, Roger Clemens and Tommy Brady.
The one thing I always like to point out - as a huge Yankee and Mattingly fan - is that there’s this popular misconception that the Yankees were ‘bad’ in the 1980s.
On the contrary, no team in all of baseball won more games in the 1980s than the New York Yankees. But with two divisions and no Wild Card, they were never quite good enough to get over the hump.
He, Tom Selleck and John Oates are also on the short list for ‘Moustache of the Decade’...
Curious about the rare, mysterious and beautiful 1951 Wheaties Premium Photos?
https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/987963/1951-wheaties-premium-photos-set-registry#latest
Wow. 40 years in the hobby, on and off, and I have never seen the '86 Topps Mattingly card posted in the OP. Sweet card!
1984 Donruss is my favorite. Classic card
in a classic set.
Lots of Nice Mattingly cards but I'm a NO on HOF. Slightly above Will Clark, Cecil Cooper , Wally Joyner, Steve Garvey , Keith Hernandez
Agree and I'm a huge Yankee / Mattingly fan. You don't get graded on a curve for having an awful back derail your career VERY EARLY. He just doesn't have HOF numbers. He had six HOF type seasons. Not enough IMO.
ISO 1978 Topps Baseball in NM-MT High Grade Raw 3, 100, 103, 302, 347, 376, 416, 466, 481, 487, 509, 534, 540, 554, 579, 580, 622, 642, 673, 724__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ISO 1978 O-Pee-Chee in NM-MT High Grade Raw12, 21, 29, 38, 49, 65, 69, 73, 74, 81, 95, 100, 104, 110, 115, 122, 132, 133, 135, 140, 142, 151, 153, 155, 160, 161, 167, 168, 172, 179, 181, 196, 200, 204, 210, 224, 231, 240
86T is my favorite Donnie card. The 84T/D/F images are iconic to many who grew up collecting in the 80s, especially if you resided in NYC. I also love his 87 Topps Mini League Leader card, and his 88 Fleer.
Instagram: mattyc_collection
He had six HOF type seasons. Not enough IMO.
Six HOF type seasons. That's more than many who
have been inducted the last 30+ years.
Who?
ISO 1978 Topps Baseball in NM-MT High Grade Raw 3, 100, 103, 302, 347, 376, 416, 466, 481, 487, 509, 534, 540, 554, 579, 580, 622, 642, 673, 724__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ISO 1978 O-Pee-Chee in NM-MT High Grade Raw12, 21, 29, 38, 49, 65, 69, 73, 74, 81, 95, 100, 104, 110, 115, 122, 132, 133, 135, 140, 142, 151, 153, 155, 160, 161, 167, 168, 172, 179, 181, 196, 200, 204, 210, 224, 231, 240
Many years back Matt aka Lawnmowerman sent me this card as a gift - I believe it may have been Christmas.
I miss guys like Matt over here.
I agree that the 1986 Topps is his best-looking card. But, in my opinion, a strong #2 is the 1985 Fleer. It's a great picture of him in his characteristic hitting slouch/crouch, and the card is just all-around aesthetically pleasing. The 1985 Fleer design is one of the best of the decade, and the silver gray borders on these cards really make the team colors stand out. And the blue/silver combo on this card is one of the best; it's the same reason why so many people became/become Dallas Cowboys fans; they like the similar colors of the uniforms.
This card sold on PWCC last month for $27.00.
4 great seasons, 84-87, .. 2 plus , 88,89 .. 2 solid 92,93. In Yankee Stadium with Rickey Henderson hitting in front of him.
He's close.
I agree, but the people at the HOF don't agree. For me, I say, "so what?" They see something I don't. Their values are not my values when it comes to great players. I like players for many reasons, the least of which is because of their HOF status. In fact, there are several players I collect with enthusiasm who are not in the HOF.
If Mattingly never gets into the HOF, I'll still look at his cards with ardor and remember his playing days with wonderment.
Andy
It is certainly impossible to tell the story of baseball in the 1980s and omit Mattingly. This link below is a great read for any fan of Donnie or the game at that time:
"Mattingly has become the very best player in baseball - his peers in the game made him their choice in a poll conducted by The New York Times - because he has made numbers a byproduct of overall performance."
"Mattingly received considerable support from players in the National League, whose chances to see him are limited to television appearances. Eric Davis, the young Cincinnati Reds' outfielder, named Mattingly although he has never seen him play in person.
''I still feel I'm someone who can judge talent and give credit where it's due,'' Davis said. ''I admire how hard he plays. Here's a guy who's making lots of money, who's got fame and fortune, but he's out there every day doing his job. There are a lot of guys in our league that I fear - Darryl Strawberry, Dale Murphy, even Dave Parker on our team - but in a situation where you'd like to bring in a left-handed or right-handed pitcher, in Don Mattingly's case it doesn't matter. He's one of the top clutch hitters in the game.''
https://www.nytimes.com/1986/07/07/sports/mattingly-a-hit-among-peers.html
Instagram: mattyc_collection
MLBdays, I wholeheartedly agree with you; the '86 Topps Mattingly is a great card, with such a compelling photo. I also concur with you about the paramount importance of selecting a stimulating photo. That graphic image was made for this Topps design---perfection! Thanks for sharing. --- Indiana Jones (Brian Powell)
Aggressively disagree. Lee Smith was a pioneer modern closer just ahead of his time.
ISO 1978 Topps Baseball in NM-MT High Grade Raw 3, 100, 103, 302, 347, 376, 416, 466, 481, 487, 509, 534, 540, 554, 579, 580, 622, 642, 673, 724__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ISO 1978 O-Pee-Chee in NM-MT High Grade Raw12, 21, 29, 38, 49, 65, 69, 73, 74, 81, 95, 100, 104, 110, 115, 122, 132, 133, 135, 140, 142, 151, 153, 155, 160, 161, 167, 168, 172, 179, 181, 196, 200, 204, 210, 224, 231, 240
They don't have a place in the HOF?
ISO 1978 Topps Baseball in NM-MT High Grade Raw 3, 100, 103, 302, 347, 376, 416, 466, 481, 487, 509, 534, 540, 554, 579, 580, 622, 642, 673, 724__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ISO 1978 O-Pee-Chee in NM-MT High Grade Raw12, 21, 29, 38, 49, 65, 69, 73, 74, 81, 95, 100, 104, 110, 115, 122, 132, 133, 135, 140, 142, 151, 153, 155, 160, 161, 167, 168, 172, 179, 181, 196, 200, 204, 210, 224, 231, 240
Lee Smith paved the way for Mariano. He was a trailblazer.
ISO 1978 Topps Baseball in NM-MT High Grade Raw 3, 100, 103, 302, 347, 376, 416, 466, 481, 487, 509, 534, 540, 554, 579, 580, 622, 642, 673, 724__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ISO 1978 O-Pee-Chee in NM-MT High Grade Raw12, 21, 29, 38, 49, 65, 69, 73, 74, 81, 95, 100, 104, 110, 115, 122, 132, 133, 135, 140, 142, 151, 153, 155, 160, 161, 167, 168, 172, 179, 181, 196, 200, 204, 210, 224, 231, 240
lol OK man. I give up
ISO 1978 Topps Baseball in NM-MT High Grade Raw 3, 100, 103, 302, 347, 376, 416, 466, 481, 487, 509, 534, 540, 554, 579, 580, 622, 642, 673, 724__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ISO 1978 O-Pee-Chee in NM-MT High Grade Raw12, 21, 29, 38, 49, 65, 69, 73, 74, 81, 95, 100, 104, 110, 115, 122, 132, 133, 135, 140, 142, 151, 153, 155, 160, 161, 167, 168, 172, 179, 181, 196, 200, 204, 210, 224, 231, 240
"lee smith but not mattingly? somethings not right there.
lee smith did have a good.............
error card."
I think Mattingly should go in but he's got a lot of first baseman on his level who have a strong base of support to get inducted as well that had their careers end before Donnie Baseball's (Gil Hodges, Dick Allen, Steve Garvey, Keith Hernandez come to mind right away).
No. Just because the selectors made a mistake is never a reason to put an undeserving player in the HoF. The fact that there are worse players than X in does not mean that X should be in.
On the other hand, with the selections of Trammell, Morris, Smith, and Baines, it is curious that these committees are not selecting demonstrably better players. My point is not that better players than the bad should automatically be inducted, merely that a Mattingly should have been inducted before a Morris was.
I agree that aesthetically the 1986 Topps is as good as it gets. His 1984 Topps is just behind IMO. I do have a soft spot for 1987 Topps too since this was my first Mattingly card as a kid. Still love my cello with Donnie Baseball on top...
Donald Arthur Mattingly
I’ve always liked this one - Mattingly in his prime with the follow through on that legendary swing. The 86T was my first Mattingly I got as a kid so it will always be special to me. Mattingly is one of those players who seemed to always have a good looking card. The ‘stach-eyeblack combo is a winner!!
Here's my favorite Donnie Baseball Card
Bowman Baseball -1948-1955
Fleer Baseball-1923, 1959-2007
Al