New York Yankees first baseman Don Mattingly captured his only Most Valuable Player award in his incredible career

On November 20, 1985, New York Yankees Don Mattingly was named the American League MVP. The first baseman captured the honor by a landslide, finishing with 367 points and 94% of the vote. He beat out George Brett, who received 274 points, and his teammate Rickey Henderson, who finished third

Mattingly posted a .324 batting average, 35 home runs, 145 RBIs, and 212 hits. The pinstriped power hitter also led the league in doubles (48), total bases (370), and sacrifice flies (15). For his performance, he not only won the MVP award, but also a Gold Glove and a Silver Slugger award, as well. 

Considered one of the best players of the 1980s, the man dubbed ‘Donnie Baseball’ would spend his entire playing 14-year career in the Bronx. He was the Yankees’ captain from 1991–1995 and won six All-Star selections, nine Gold Glove Awards in that time frame. The Yankees eventually retired his number 23 on August 31, 1997.

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