Former New York Yankees first baseman and current Los Angeles Dodgers manager Don Mattingly is used to being in the spotlight, but never like this.

Mattingly donned a wig, makeup and a gigantic dress last weekend when he played the role of Mother Ginger in a performance of ‘The Nutcracker’ for the Evansville Ballet in his hometown of Evansville, Indiana.

He was roped in by the theater director and by his wife, Lori, who was also appearing in the Christmas production. Mattingly was impressed by the agility and ability of the dancers.

“I’ve been around athletes my whole life,” Mattingly said before the show. “I look at all these dancers as basically athletes in a very disciplined art form. I really have enjoyed it.”

Though reviews of his performance are hard to find, he has received some positive feedback, with one critique saying, “You gotta give props to Mattingly, as not many in his profession would put their pride on the line for such a production.”

More From 96.1 The Eagle