Who is the best MLB player from each state?

Indiana: Don Mattingly

The Hoosier State loves its basketball more than anything else, but baseball still has a place at the sporting table. Indiana has sent several players to the Hall of Fame, mostly from the Dead Ball Era. One of the most interesting pitchers of his day, Mordecai “Three Finger” Brown, was born in Indiana in 1876. Brown earned his nickname after a farming accident as a child. Losing a few fingers didn’t hurt his career too much, and his freak injury actually allowed him to spin a baseball in a way that made it very difficult to hit.

In modern times, Don Mattingly stands out ahead of players like Gil Hodges, Kenny Lofton, and Scott Rolen. Donnie Baseball never did win a World Series with the Yankees, and back injuries forced him to retire at the age of 34. Had he been able to gut out a few more seasons, Mattingly likely would have ended up in the Hall of Fame.

This Mattingly name and number t-shirt is exactly what you need for Opening Day.

Mattingly played for the Yankees in one of their rare down periods. He appeared in only one playoff series during his 14-year career in the big leagues. Mattingly was one of the smoothest fielders at first base, winning nine Gold Gloves. He also won a batting title in 1984 and the MVP in 1985. During the 1980s, he batted .323/.368/.521. Mattingly was slowed over the final six years of his career. He now manages the Miami Marlins after a successful stint managing the Dodgers.