Listen: Agitated Willie on WFAN
Willie Randolph talked with WFAN’s Mike and the Maddog today, and
had the following to say…
…whether he should be going out to argue with umpires more than he does…
“Oh, man, those guys have no clue. Well, I guess people look at what they see and they think that’s the way it is. First of all, I do get on umpires. If I see a play that I think is really one sided I’ll go out and argue every time. Some times, you know, just for the sake of arguing, that to me is totally overrated…I respect umpires, I don’t believe in going out and showing any one up just for the sake of show…Listen, I back my team every day. And, look, they don’t show me on the bench when I’m tripping from the dugout, you know, you don’t see that part of me. You don’t see me walking up and down the dugout, rooting for my guys, teaching them, pushing them, prodding them to get going. They only show me when some one gives up a hit or makes an error, and they show my face and I’m not going to show my players up. So, that’s the perception you get from me, is what they show when something goes wrong. Outside of that, I’m as animated and as much in the game as any manager in baseball. You look in every dugout, guys, and you see some managers sitting there like a bump on the log. They’re just sitting there, DOING NOTHING. You look at me, and I’m the total opposite. I’m on the top step, I don’t hide in the dugout, and I’m up and down doing my thing, pulling for my players. So, that perception that is out there is unbelievable.”
…about leadership, and whether the team has or needs a leader…
“There are different types of leaders, you don’t have to be a rah-rah guy. You can’t always be Lenny Dykstra. Sometimes guys just play and lead in their own way. I think we have some leaders on our team. Beltran played hurt last year a lot, that’s a form of leadership. So, yeah, I think it’s overrated at times, but I think that when you have a team that’s good you have a combination of different kinds of leadership…They’re not your typical kinds of rah-rah, gung-ho, in your face kind of guys…I do not think out team (needs a guy like that). We have guys who play with a certain demeanor. Okay? That is sometimes mistaken for being passive or not gritty or not tough not getting after it, that is so unfair, because our guys care. They play hard. They work hard every day. When you’re losing every one looks like they’re not doing as much.”
…if he is aware of some reporters and some fans requesting that he be fired…
“Listen, I’m a human being, I live in this town, I remember when talk radio first started…yes, it does sting a bit, because you think about where your heart and soul is and what you’re trying to do as far as winning, and no one likes to hear that stuff. But, believe me, guys, I understand that goes on with the territory. I am not concerned with what people feel about me because I’m here to do a job. Would you like to be liked, like most people? of course. But, believe me, when I’m on the field, when I’m out there leading my ball club, that does not enter my mind…It’s unfortunate that people who don’t understand the game, or who know what we’re dealing with, are calling for people’s livelihood. That’s really unfortunately, when you can call for some persons livelihood when you have a family and people who depend on them, but that’s a way the game has changed and it’s really kind of sad.”
Randolph also talked about Billy Wagner’s comments, and his players talking to reporters, among other things.
To listen to Randolph’s entire interview, go to WFAN.com.
