Kim Sexton Don Mattingly: The Untold Story Behind the Former Yankees Star’s First Marriage
Kim Sexton Don Mattingly, they are often looking for information about the personal life of baseball legend Don Mattingly and his first wife, Kim Sexton. While Don Mattingly’s professional career is well documented—highlighted by his 1985 American League MVP award, nine Gold Gloves, and longstanding association with the New York Yankees—far less is widely known about the woman who was by his side during his rise to fame. This comprehensive article explores the relationship between Kim Sexton Don Mattingly, their marriage and family life, their reported divorce, and how their story fits into the broader narrative of Mattingly’s life and career.
Who Is Don Mattingly?
Before diving into the relationship between Kim Sexton Don Mattingly, it’s important to understand why Mattingly remains such a significant sports figure.
Don Mattingly, often nicknamed “Donnie Baseball,” is a former Major League Baseball first baseman best known for his time with the New York Yankees from 1982 to 1995. During the 1980s, he was one of the most dominant hitters in baseball.
Career Highlights:
- 1985 American League MVP
- 9 Gold Glove Awards
- 6 All-Star selections
- Yankees captain from 1991–1995
- Later, an MLB manager for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Miami Marlins
- Served as bench coach for the Toronto Blue Jays
Mattingly built a reputation not only for elite performance but also for professionalism and leadership. During the height of his career in New York, he became one of baseball’s most recognizable faces.
It was during the early stages of his career that Kim Sexton entered the picture.
Who Is Kim Sexton?
Kim Sexton, sometimes referred to in older media reports as Kim Mattingly, is best known publicly as Don Mattingly’s first wife. Unlike her former husband, she has largely remained out of the public spotlight.
There is limited verified biographical information available about Kim Sexton outside of her marriage to Mattingly. She is not a public figure, celebrity, or media personality. Most online references to her stem from:
- Marriage records
- Divorce filings
- Media coverage related to Mattingly
- Reports from the late 2000s
Because she has maintained a private life, much of what is known about her comes from reporting related to Don Mattingly’s career and personal life.
Kim Sexton Don Mattingly’s Marriage
When Did They Get Married?
Don Mattingly married Kim Sexton on September 8, 1979.
At the time of their marriage:
- Mattingly was still in the early phase of his professional baseball journey.
- He had not yet become the superstar that Yankees fans would come to idolize.
Their marriage predated Mattingly’s MVP season and most of his peak years in Major League Baseball.
A Marriage During Baseball Stardom
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, as Don Mattingly became one of the Yankees’ most important players, Kim Sexton was part of his private life behind the scenes.
During Mattingly’s prime:
- He dealt with immense pressure in New York.
- He battled chronic back injuries.
- He became the face of a franchise struggling to reclaim its former dominance.
Being married to a high-profile professional athlete—especially in New York—comes with unique challenges, including:
- Media scrutiny
- Constant travel
- Demanding schedules
- Public attention
Despite these pressures, the couple remained married for decades.
Children of Kim Sexton Don Mattingly
One of the most significant aspects of their marriage was their family.
Kim Sexton Don Mattingly had three sons:
- Taylor Mattingly
- Preston Mattingly
- Jordon Mattingly
Baseball runs in the family. Two of their sons pursued professional baseball careers:
Preston Mattingly
- Drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2006
- Later transitioned into coaching and front office roles
Taylor Mattingly
- Also played professional baseball
- Has worked in baseball operations
Don Mattingly has spoken publicly in interviews about how important family has been to him. While he generally keeps his personal life private, it’s clear that fatherhood played a major role in his post-playing years.
The Divorce of Kim Sexton Don Mattingly
After nearly three decades of marriage, Kim Sexton Don Mattingly’s relationship came to an end.
Divorce Filing
Reports indicate that the couple filed for divorce in the mid-to-late 2000s, citing irreconcilable differences.
While exact timelines vary in reporting, it is widely noted that:
- Divorce proceedings were underway around 2007.
- Media coverage increased in 2008 due to related legal events.
Neither Kim Sexton nor Don Mattingly made extensive public statements about the reasons for their separation. Both maintained a relatively private stance.
2008 Media Coverage and Legal Reporting
In early 2008, news outlets reported on an incident involving Kim Mattingly (Sexton) that brought renewed attention to the former couple.
According to reporting at the time:
- Kim Mattingly was arrested in Vanderburgh County, Indiana.
- An affidavit from a sheriff’s deputy was cited in news coverage.
- The reports referenced alcohol-related observations.
Major sports media outlets covered the story briefly due to Don Mattingly’s public profile. However, the incident itself was a personal legal matter and did not involve Don Mattingly directly.
It’s important to note:
- Media coverage focused on publicly available legal documents.
- The event occurred during the period when divorce proceedings were being reported.
- Don Mattingly continued his professional baseball career uninterrupted.
After this period, Kim Sexton largely disappeared from public news cycles.
Don Mattingly’s Life After Kim Sexton
Following his divorce from Kim Sexton, Don Mattingly eventually remarried.
He later married Lori Mattingly, and they have a son together.
Professionally, Mattingly transitioned into coaching and managing, including:
- Manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers (2011–2015)
- Manager of the Miami Marlins (2016–2022)
- Bench coach for the Toronto Blue Jays
Despite personal changes in his life, Mattingly’s legacy as a Yankees icon remains intact.
Why Do People Search Kim Sexton Don Mattingly?
There are several reasons this keyword continues to generate search interest:
- Curiosity About Don Mattingly’s Personal Life
Fans of the Yankees and baseball historians often want to know more about his family background. - Divorce and Media Coverage
Public figures’ divorces frequently draw long-term search traffic. - Children’s Baseball Careers
Since two of their sons pursued professional baseball, interest in the Mattingly family continues. - Historical Context
Fans researching Mattingly’s 1980s Yankees era sometimes look into his personal timeline alongside career milestones.
Don Mattingly’s Legacy Compared to His Personal Life
While kim sexton don mattingly remains a recurring search phrase, it’s important to recognize that Don Mattingly’s public legacy is overwhelmingly tied to:
- His performance on the field
- His leadership as the Yankees captain
- His influence as a manager
- His mentorship of younger players
Personal events, including his first marriage and divorce, represent just one chapter in a much broader story.
Privacy and Public Figures
It’s also worth acknowledging that Kim Sexton has chosen to live privately. Unlike many spouses of celebrities or athletes who seek public attention, she has largely remained out of the media spotlight and public commentary.
This has led to:
- Limited verified biographical details
- Recycled or low-quality celebrity blog content online
- Repeated search queries due to information gaps
When researching public figures and their families, it’s important to rely on reputable sources and avoid speculation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who was Kim Sexton married to?
Kim Sexton was married to former MLB player and manager Don Mattingly.
When did Kim Sexton Don Mattingly get married?
They were married on September 8, 1979.
How many children do Kim Sexton Don Mattingly have?
They have three sons: Taylor, Preston, and Jordon.
When did Kim Sexton Don Mattingly divorce?
Their divorce proceedings were reported in the mid-to-late 2000s, around 2007–2008.
Is Kim Sexton a public figure?
No, she is not a public figure and has maintained a private life.
Final Thoughts on Kim Sexton Don Mattingly
The story behind Kim Sexton Don Mattingly reflects a long marriage that spanned the rise of one of baseball’s most respected players. Married before Mattingly reached stardom, Sexton was part of his life during the formative years of his professional career and throughout his peak in New York.
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