MLB

Mattingly’s son in Yankees camp

TAMPA — The face is familiar. So is the name and the sense of humor.

Preston Mattingly, 24, is in camp with the Yankees as a minor league free agent outfielder. Just putting on the pinstripes his dad once wore makes this a most special adventure. Don Mattingly was Donnie Baseball. His son is Preston Athlete.

Drafted 31st overall in the first round of the 2006 draft by the Dodgers, Preston has yet to make it above A-ball with two organizations — the Dodgers and Indians — but because he played three sports growing up, he is hoping to be a late bloomer in baseball. Over six minor league seasons he is batting .232 with an on-base percentage of .276.

Preston has kept his sense of humor through it all.

“I always give him a hard time,’’ he said of his dad yesterday. “When people see me, at least I’m an athlete. It’s one thing I give my dad a hard time about. He’s a small little midget. He can hit, that’s for sure, but I give him a hard time about it.

“I’ve been here a couple weeks, it’s been fun. It’s exciting. I haven’t put on the full pinstripes yet. You don’t get much better than the Yankee logo, that’s for sure.’’

Preston said it is a similar situation to when he was with his dad in the Dodgers organization.

“I hear the same things here,” he said. “I’m just trying to be myself.’’

No matter where Preston winds up, fans are going to want his autograph, because he looks so much like his dad.

“I get that a lot,’’ he said with a smile. “Maybe I’ll grow out the mustache and get the long hair going.’’

He remembers being with his dad when Don was with the Yankees, going out to dinner “and some lady seeing him and starts crying when she sees him.’’

He knows what kind of impact his father has had on the Yankees and their fans.

“Derek Jeter was my favorite player growing up,’’ Preston said. “He does everything right, all the fans love him.’’

As for his baseball journey, Preston said, “A lot of people would have given up, but you just have to keep working, you never know what is going to happen. … It would have been better if I played baseball all the way through, though.’’

At least he’s getting a shot now with the Yankees.