Philadelphia Phillies interim manager Don Mattingly has expressed that winning a World Series championship would be the most significant accomplishment of his career, even over induction into the Hall of Fame. Mattingly, who has been recognized as a deserving Hall of Fame candidate, stated his clear preference for a championship ring.
"A ring for sure," Mattingly told The Post. "One hundred percent for me … yeah, the ring."
Mattingly's pursuit of a title comes as he leads a resurgent Phillies team. He came close to a championship last October as the bench coach for the Toronto Blue Jays, an experience that apparently heightened his desire for a World Series victory.
Longtime friend and colleague Larry Bowa acknowledged Mattingly's ambition. "I’m sure he’d be happy if he got in the Hall of Fame," Bowa said. "But he wants that missing piece. There’s no question that he wants to be part of a championship team."