Heyman: Backman back in the fold

Jon Heyman just tweeted something of note…

Mets planning to bring back feisty '86 hero Wally Backman in minor-league coaching role. they could use a little spunk.

It’s about time this guy got another shot.

There is an opening with Double-A Binghamton, as manager Mako Oliveras was fired last week.

Backman’s brash attitude might not sit well with some people, but he’s the kind of guy that will light a fire under a player or team and push them to perform.  He has a very polarizing persona, so some people hate him and some people love him.

I’m interested to see how Mets fans react to this.  I know a few people will like to see Backman back with the Mets.  On the flip side, I also know a lot of people just flat-out don’t like him.

Also, if Jerry Manuel gets off to a rough start in 2010, I wouldn’t be surprised if he wasn’t considered as a replacement.

Another note on coaches, according to a source, the Mets and Edgardo Alfonzo have been talking about a possible coaching position, likely with the Gulf Coast League team.  Just a rumor right now, but that would be nice to see.

Remembering 9/11: Mike Piazza’s home run

Today is a day to remember.  Remember all who were lost on 9/11, their families and their friends.  Never forget them.

Yesterday, a teacher asked me what my memories were of 9/11/01.  I can vaguely remember the day, sitting it woodworking class and listening to an old radio play out the news of the morning.

But what I remember most about the days surrounding 9/11 is what transpired 10 days later.

On Sept. 21, 2001, baseball returned to New York.

The Atlanta Braves and the New York Mets squared off at Shea Stadium.  After seven and a half innings of baseball, the Mets trailed by a score of 2-1.

Steve Karsay came on to pitch the 8th for Atlanta.  After inducing a Matt Lawton groundout, Karsay walked Edgardo Alfonzo.  Desi Relaford came on to pinch-run for Alfonzo as Mike Piazza stepped to the plate.

Piazza already had two hits that game, both doubles. 

Behind 0-1 in the count, Piazza stepped into the batters box and hit a home run that meant more to the city of New York than any home run before or since.A towering shot to center field, New Yorkers had a reason to cheer.  It didn’t matter if you were a Mets fan, Yankees fan or no fan at all.  This home run was the first bright spot in the city since the attack.  It was, in a word, euphoric.

I vividly remember sitting on my friends porch and watching this home run through his living room window.  I will never forget Piazza’s home run or the impact it had on the people of New York City.

To relive that moment, here’s a short video on the events leading up to the home run and to see that uplifting moment one more time.

Never forget 9/11.

Mets all-time hit leaders

With some guy across town doing something special, I decided to take a look at the Mets all-time hit leaders.  Here’s the top 20…

#	Player	Hits
1	Ed Kranepool	1,418
2	Cleon Jones	1,188
3	Edgardo Alfonzo*	1,136
4	Mookie Wilson	1,112
5	Bud Harrelson	1,029
6	Mike Piazza	1,028
7	Darryl Strawberry	1,025
8	Howard Johnson	997
9	Jerry Grote	994
10	David Wright*	963
11	Jose Reyes*	960
12	Keith Hernandez	939
13	Lee Mazzilli	796
14	Kevin McReynolds	791
15	Felix Millan	743
16	Rey Ordonez	720
17	Rusty Staub	709
18	Carlos Beltran*	703
19	John Stearns	695
20	Wally Backman	670

*denotes active player.  And yes, Fonzi is still active.

What really intrigues me here are Reyes and Wright.  Both seemingly have very long careers ahead of them, hopefully with the Mets.  It would (will?) be kind of cool to watch as they climb the chart and possibly battle for the top spot, maybe game in and game out.

Also, would have never picked Rey Ordonez or John Stearns to be in the top 20 spots.  Sorry, guys.