Recap: Willie Randolph on WFAN
During his interview a few moments ago on WFAN, Willie Randolph told the show’s host that many of his comments from the infamous Bergen Record article by Ian O’Conner were intended to be off the record, adding, “But, that’s my fault..,I thought I was just blowing off steam.”
…for what it’s worth, willie waited for a good two or three seconds before answering the question…
Randolph continued on by saying:
“I just want to get a few things off my chest. I want to apologize to Mets ownership…to SNY, and to my team for the distraction over the past couple of days. I shouldn’t have said the things that I said. It was a mistake, simple as that. I take full ownership of the things that I said. I said it out of frustration, I just hope that we can put a close to this matter and start winning baseball games. When you win, you make everyone happy, and that’s what we’re here to do. I didn’t mean for it to come out the way it did. I was frustrated.”
According to Randolph, he is frustrated with how his team is playing, and understands the fan reaction – especially after what occured at the end of last season.
Randolph said he does not believe racism is involved with the fan’s perception of him.
Also, regarding the Record, he never meant to suggest that Mets fans are fair-weather fans.
Instead, he says, the fans have every right to express their opinion, adding, “Mets fans are the best in the world.”
Regarding his comments about SNY, and how the fans may percieve him, Randolph said:
“The only problem I have is perception sometimes. You hear people talk about me, but they don’t know me. I don’t mind being criticized, but be factual and be fair. The people that are on the shows are paid to be opinionated, but make sure that if you’re going to be that, know what you’re talking about…Everyone wants to be liked, but that’s not a burning desire for me. I just try to do my job. I’m no different than everyone else, I’m a human being. Everyone has feelings. But I’m here to win a championship…
“This is me, this is how I lead. I don’t concern myself with what people think of how I do my business.”
In regards to Jon Heyman’s report in SI.com that Jeff Wilpon met with him and Omar Minaya, Randolph said:
“Jeff’s very passionate about winning, just like I am. Jeff and Fred are very supportive, and they’re always asking me how they can help us get better. When the game starts, that’s when I feel my best. I love when the game starts because that’s when you can go out there and try to kick someone’s butt.”
Lastly, according to Randolph, the team is not focused on all of this stuff, from SNY to the fans to ownership, etc, they are focused on trying to win as many games as possible, and he and his players believe that when every one sees them be the team they are capable of being, all of this will go away.
…thanks to SNY.tv’s Ted Berg for transcribing parts of this interview, and for helping me get it up on MetsBlog so quickly…
…also, i tend to be very critical of Mike and the Maddog, but they did a fantastic job with this interview…they asked all the necessary and intriguing questions, and did so in a respectful way…great job, guys…
To listen to Randolpoh’s entire 27–minute interview, keep checking WFAN.com.
…Update…5:35 pm…
SNY’s Kevin Burkhardt will be sitting down with Randolph in a few minutes, for a one-on-one interview that will appear on tonight’s Pre Game Show.
