Kim Sexton: Full Story of Don Mattingly’s Ex Wife
Kim Sexton is best known as the former wife of baseball star Don Mattingly. She was part of his life before he became famous.
The couple met when they were young in Evansville, Indiana. They later married and raised three sons together.
Kim also had a strong love for American Saddlebred horses. She spent years breeding, training, and showing horses.
Her marriage ended after almost three decades. Since then, Kim has stayed away from the media and lives a private life.
Quick Bio
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Kim Sexton |
| Former name | Kim Mattingly |
| Known for | Former wife of Don Mattingly |
| Estimated birth year | 1961 or 1962 |
| Estimated age | About 64 or 65 in 2026 |
| Birthplace | Indiana, United States |
| Hometown | Evansville, Indiana |
| Nationality | American |
| School | North High School |
| Former husband | Don Mattingly |
| Marriage date | September 8, 1979 |
| Children | Taylor, Preston, and Jordon |
| Main interest | Horse breeding and horse shows |
| Net worth | Not publicly known |
| Current status | Lives a private life |
Who Is Kim Sexton?
Kim Sexton is an American woman from Evansville, Indiana. She became known through her marriage to Don Mattingly.
Don is a former New York Yankees player. He later worked as a baseball coach and manager.
Kim knew Don before he became a major sports star. She saw his rise from local baseball to the major leagues.
She also raised their three sons. Much of her adult life centered on family, baseball, and horses.
Kim did not seek fame for herself. She mostly stayed out of interviews and public events.
Kim Sexton’s Age and Early Life
Kim Sexton was likely born in 1961 or 1962. Her exact birth date has not been shared in public records.
She grew up in Evansville, a city in southern Indiana. It is also the hometown of Don Mattingly.
Kim reportedly attended North High School. Don went to Reitz Memorial High School in the same city.
Very little is known about Kim’s parents or childhood. She has never shared many details about her early years.
Her father reportedly had ties to local baseball. He is said to have coached an American Legion baseball team.
How Kim Sexton Met Don Mattingly
Kim met Don Mattingly while they were teenagers. Baseball played a key role in bringing them together.
Some reports say Kim’s father coached a local baseball team. Don was one of the talented players in the area.
Kim and Don became closer during a trip to Madisonville, Kentucky. The trip was linked to an American Legion baseball game.
Their friendship soon became a young romance. Both were still in school when they started dating.
Kim knew Don before money and fame entered his life. Their bond began in their shared Indiana hometown.
Kim Sexton and Don Mattingly’s Wedding
Kim Sexton married Don Mattingly on September 8, 1979. They were both very young at the time.
Kim was reportedly about 17 years old. Don was around 18 and had just started his baseball career.
The New York Yankees had selected Don in the 1979 baseball draft. He soon entered the minor league system.
Their early married life was simple. Don had not yet earned the high income that came later.
The couple lived in small homes and apartments. They also moved when Don’s baseball work required it.
Kim Sexton’s Life During Don’s Early Career
Don spent several years working through the minor leagues. This period brought long trips and an uncertain income.
Kim stayed beside him during those early seasons. She helped create a home while Don focused on baseball.
The couple once lived in a small apartment in Bradenton, Florida. Don was there for baseball training.
Life was not always easy for young baseball families. Players often traveled and spent many weeks away from home.
Kim managed these changes at a young age. Her support came before Don became a household name.
Life as Don Mattingly’s Wife
Don Mattingly joined the New York Yankees in the early 1980s. His strong play soon made him a leading star.
He won the American League batting title in 1984. He also competed with teammate Dave Winfield for the honor.
Don won the American League Most Valuable Player Award in 1985. His success brought more attention to the family.
Kim became known as the wife of a famous Yankees player. Yet she kept a lower profile than many sports spouses.
The family stayed close to Indiana. This choice gave Kim and the children a calmer life away from New York.
Kim Sexton’s Children
Kim and Don had three sons during their marriage. Their names are Taylor Mattingly, Preston Mattingly, and Jordon Mattingly.
Their oldest son, Taylor, was born in 1985. He showed an interest in baseball while growing up.
The Yankees selected Taylor in the 2003 baseball draft. However, injuries affected his path in the sport.
Preston was born on August 28, 1987. He also followed his father into professional baseball.
Jordon is the youngest son. He has kept more of his personal life away from public view.
Kim Sexton and Taylor Mattingly
Taylor Mattingly grew up around professional baseball. His father’s career gave him early access to the sport.
Taylor played baseball during his school years. He later entered the Major League Baseball draft.
The Yankees selected him in a later round in 2003. This linked him to the same team as his father.
His playing career did not last long. Reports say injuries played a part in his decision to step away.
Taylor has since lived a quieter life. He does not receive the same media attention as Don or Preston.
Kim Sexton and Preston Mattingly
Preston Mattingly became the most active baseball figure among Kim’s sons. He was a high draft choice in 2006.
The Los Angeles Dodgers selected him in the first round. He played several positions during his minor league career.
Preston later moved away from playing. He began working in baseball management and player development.
He held leadership roles with the Philadelphia Phillies. His career showed his strong knowledge of baseball operations.
Kim’s family remains tied to the sport through Preston. His work continues the Mattingly family’s baseball story.
Kim Sexton’s Love for Horses
Kim built her own identity through American Saddlebred horses. She became active in horse breeding and horse shows.
American Saddlebreds are known for smooth movement and beauty. They often compete in formal show events.
Kim spent time training and caring for these horses. Her interest became more than a simple weekend hobby.
She owned several horses during the 1990s and 2000s. Her work became known in some horse show circles.
Her sons also spent time around horses. The farm gave the family another shared interest outside baseball.
Glendale’s Radiant Princess
One of Kim’s best known horses was Glendale’s Radiant Princess. The mare appeared in horse shows during the 1990s.
Kim showed the horse at several events. The pair gained attention within the American Saddlebred community.
The horse helped Kim build a name outside Don’s baseball career. She was seen as an active horse owner.
Kim also cared for young horses and breeding mares. This work required time, money, and daily effort.
Her horse life gave her a personal goal. It also offered a break from the pressure of public sports life.
Kim Sexton and Don Mattingly’s Divorce
Kim and Don stayed married for almost three decades. Their relationship later faced serious personal problems.
Kim filed for divorce in Indiana in November 2007. The filing said the marriage could no longer continue.
The separation became public because Don was famous. Private family issues soon appeared in news reports.
A family dispute in 2008 also brought legal attention. It took place during a painful time for the family.
These events should not define Kim’s whole life. She had already spent many years as a mother and horse owner.
Kim Sexton’s Life After Divorce
Kim moved away from public attention after the divorce. She did not start a media career or write a public book.
Don later married Lori Mattingly in 2010. He also continued working as a baseball manager.
Kim has shared very little about her current life. Her home, career, and relationship status remain private.
She also does not have a well known public social media page. This makes it hard to confirm recent details.
Her choice to stay private appears clear. Most current reports mention her only through Don or their sons.
Where Is Kim Sexton Now?
Kim Sexton now appears to live a quiet and private life. She rarely appears in public news.
She remains connected to the Mattingly family through her sons. Preston’s baseball career still brings the family attention.
Kim is also remembered for her work with American Saddlebred horses. This part of her life showed her own interests.
Her exact location is not publicly confirmed. There is also little clear information about her present work.
Kim seems to prefer life away from fame. That choice has kept much of her recent story private.
Final Thoughts
Kim Sexton was part of Don Mattingly’s life before he became a baseball star. She shared his early career struggles.
She later became the mother of three sons. She raised them while Don played for the New York Yankees.
Kim also followed her own love for horses. She spent years showing and breeding American Saddlebreds.
Her marriage ended after many years. The final period brought public attention and personal stress.
Today, Kim lives away from the spotlight. Her story remains linked to family, baseball, Indiana, and horses.
FAQs About Kim Sexton
Who is Kim Sexton?
Kim Sexton is the former wife of baseball star Don Mattingly. She is also the mother of Taylor, Preston, and Jordon Mattingly.
When did Kim Sexton marry Don Mattingly?
Kim married Don Mattingly on September 8, 1979. They married when they were still very young.
How many children does Kim Sexton have?
Kim Sexton has three sons. Their names are Taylor Mattingly, Preston Mattingly, and Jordon Mattingly.
Why did Kim Sexton and Don Mattingly divorce?
Kim filed for divorce in November 2007. Public records said the marriage had suffered a serious and lasting breakdown.
Where is Kim Sexton today?
Kim appears to live a private life away from the media. Her current home and job have not been publicly confirmed.



