Following the dismissal of the team's Manager and General Manager, Mets COO Jeff Wilpon was asked about Wally Backman potential candidacy and responded "I love Wally and I believe in Wally. But first we have to hire a general manager, and we'll go from there".
Choosing Wally would be a bit of a risk, since he has not had any major league managerial experience. However, he brings a well-known and fan-appreciated element of intensity to a team that has been regarded, rightly or wrongly, as passive these last several seasons.
According to John Harper, writing in today's NY Daily News:
Backman would instill toughness, all right, and everywhere he has managed in the minors he has inspired great effort with his passion and his ability to relate to players.
Recently Marlins second baseman Dan Uggla, who played for Backman in the minors several years ago, was quoted as saying, "I would have run through a brick wall for him."
Also, for a high spending team that is reprtedly looking to be more economical, Backman is a less expensive choice when compared to other high-profile and/or experienced candidates.
Wally Backman started his career as a first round draft pick of the New York Mets in 1977. His minor league career began with a season at the Mets' NYPL affiliate in Little Falls. The scrappy second baseman eventually made it up to the parent club in 1980 and stayed in Flushing until 1988. He was an important part of the team's World Series Championship in 1986. After leaving the Mets, Backman spent several years with the Twins, Pirates, Phillies, Braves, and Mariners before ending his playing days in 1993.
In 2002, Wally managed the Birmingham Barons (AA, Southern League) for the White Sox. In 2004, he led the Diamondbacks' Advanced-A Lancaster Jethawks (California League) and was named "Minor League Manager of the Year" by the Sporting News.
At the beginning of November 2004, the Diamondbacks made Backman its suprise choice for Manager. Over the next several days, reports documented his troubles with a 1999 DUI, a 2000 domestic dispute, and significant financial troubles. On November 5th, Arizona fired him from his new job, and Backman was persona-non-grata with major league teams.
Wally began his managerial comeback with the South Georgia Peanuts of the independentt South Coast League, and followed that with a stint running the Joliet Jackhammers of the independent Northern League. By 2009, the Mets were willing to give one of their most beloved playes a chance at redemption. Initially hired to lead the team's Advanced A Florida State League team in St. Lucie, the ownership changed its mind and assigned Backman to the Brooklyn Cyclones for the 2010.
Since Backman's first season in the NYPL was so successful with his players, the fans, and the Mets front office, don't be surprised if Wally makes the biggest jump of all of the Cyclones in 2011.
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