Don Mattingly takes part in the All-Star Game as a coach in a role that places him on the opposite side from a former team. He serves as a coach for the team that plays against the American League squad that includes his former Toronto Blue Jays, where he previously worked as the bench coach. Mattingly has been connected to the Dodgers’ All-Star staff through Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts, and he says the assignment comes with some awkwardness because of his Blue Jays ties.
The reports describe Mattingly’s recent transition from Toronto to a different position after the 2024 season. He left his bench-coach role in order to become manager John Schneider’s replacement after the Blue Jays’ season ended in the World Series against the Dodgers. Toronto’s run ended after losing the series in seven games, after which Mattingly moved away from the Blue Jays’ staff.
Although he now coaches at the All-Star Game, Mattingly indicates he had considered himself finished with baseball before being asked to take on the new All-Star opportunity.
