One of my all time favorite players and rookie cards.

Don Mattingly was one of baseball’s premier hitters in the 1980s, spending his entire 14-year career with the New York Yankees and earning the 1985 AL MVP award. Known for his smooth left-handed swing, Gold Glove defense at first base, and quiet leadership, Mattingly was a six-time All-Star and batting champion who became the face of the Yankees during a transitional era. Though injuries shortened his peak, he remains one of the most respected and beloved players in franchise history.

My vintage card of the week: The 1984 Donruss Don Mattingly rookie card. Yes, this is just on the edge of “vintage.” But I’ll include it because I have to face the reality that I am also now "vintage," myself. 1984 was my first big year of collecting cards back in the day. And Donnie Baseball was a monster when I was falling in love with the game in the mid to late 80s. I think it’s a shame the contemporary committee didn’t select him to join the Hall this year; I just don’t think you can tell the story of Major League Baseball without including this guy. Anyway, the 1984 Donruss set has a special place in my heart, and this is the most special card in the set. Long live the legend of Donnie Baseball.

This mild mannered gentleman is about to be transformed into The Terminator.