Wally can’t believe Mets didn’t choose him
“I didn’t think experience should have been a factor…Managing a game is managing a game, and I don’t think it’s different dealing with players whether it’s the majors or the minors…It’s all about motivating in different ways. You have 25 different personalities and you have to be a psychologist. If you’re a people person, it’s not that hard. I really enjoy that part of the job, and my players respond to it…And the whole New York thing, the media, I would think that would have been the least of their worries. I played there, I know what it’s about. I know it can be good and bad, but that’s part of the excitement of New York…I still hope to manage the Mets at some point but I’m just going year to year at this point. If there is interest from other organizations, I’ll have to consider it.”
~Wally Backman, as quoted by the Daily News
On Tuesday, Mets GM Sandy Alderson said he felt Terry Collins was more of the complete package than Backman was as far as what his group was looking for at this time, but said he expects Backman to return to the organization next season.
That said, earlier this week, Backman told Bob Klapisch of the Bergen Record he hasn’t decided if he’ll return to the Mets organization next season.
I’d understand if Backman were to leave, but he should stay. I don’t think the Mets hiring Collins blocks his chances of managing the Mets down the road by any means. It’s not to say that he should hold out for anything – if another opportunity arises at some point before the Mets managerial job opens again, and he is asked to interview, he should do what he feels is best for his career.
