Don Mattingly, the former New York Yankees star affectionately known as Donnie Baseball, is returning to a managerial role at age 65, taking over as interim manager of the Philadelphia Phillies. Mattingly accepted the position on Tuesday following the team’s decision to relieve Rob Thomson of his managerial duties.

Mattingly’s path back into managing has been unexpected. After stepping away from his bench coach role with the Toronto Blue Jays following the World Series, Mattingly seemed poised for retirement from baseball. At the start of the year, he expressed doubts about returning to managing, citing concerns about having the energy required for the demanding job. Over the winter, however, Mattingly joined the Phillies as bench coach, reuniting with Thomson—his former teammate and colleague from their days with the Yankees. The team, loaded with high-profile talent such as Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber, and Zack Wheeler, was widely considered a strong contender for a championship, further dampening expectations that Mattingly would take the helm so soon.

Yet, after a disappointing start to the season, the Phillies opted for a managerial change in hopes of salvaging their campaign. Despite the team’s significant payroll and postseason-tested roster, Philadelphia has struggled, prompting the organization to fire Thomson and briefly explore other options, including former Red Sox manager Alex Cora.

Mattingly’s appointment is viewed by the Phillies as an opportunity to recalibrate and motivate the team for a postseason push. Though the Phillies currently rank among the National League’s lower-performing clubs, the move signals the front office’s continued confidence in the roster’s potential to compete for a World Series title. For Mattingly, who has spent more than four decades in professional baseball without winning a championship as a manager, this role offers a final shot at adding a World Series ring to his celebrated career.