The Mets are bringing back Wally Backman.
Backman was officially named manager of the Brooklyn Cyclones, the Mets’ short-season class A team that plays in the New York-Penn League.
The scrappy second baseman played parts of nine seasons with the Mets—most notably as a part of the 1986 World Series champion team.
Some view this as a risk for the Mets, because of Backman’s checkered past.
After being named Minor League Manager of the Year by Sporting News in 2004 for his outstanding season with the Lancaster Jethawks, the Arizona Diamondbacks’ High-A team, Backman was given the Diamondback’s major-league managerial job.
However, just four days after choosing Backman, the Diamondbacks fired him when it was revealed that was charged with DUI in 1999, as well as a harassment charge a year later.
Backman was beloved by New York fans for his fiery attitude and hustle. He was a sparkplug in 1986 when the Mets won their last World Series.
Originally, it was expected that the Mets would bring Backman in to lead the Binghamton Mets, the Double-A farm team of the Mets.
Instead, the Mets promoted Tim Teuful, Backman’s former platoon partner at second base, from St. Lucie to Binghamton, and sent Backman to Coney Island.
Backman will be one of several Mets from the 1986 team that have returned to the Mets’ system and spent time coaching in Brooklyn. Howard Johnson, Bob Ojeda, Tim Teufal and Mookie Wilson have all spent time coaching in Brooklyn.
Backman had most recently managed the Joliet Jackhammers of the Northern League. Prior to that, he spent time managing in the South Coast League with the South Georgia Peanuts in 2006.
He has not managed an affiliated team since 2004.
Backman’s passion and hard-nosed approach to the game made him a fan favorite during his time in Queens, and will make him one of the all-time most popular managers in Brooklyn. He’ll fit in well on Coney Island.
“I know the borough’s fans are – like me – intensely passionate about baseball and about winning,” Backman said, according to brooklyncyclones.com.
Having a personality like Backman will add even more excitement to one of the most popular teams in the minor leagues in 2010.
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