A message from Wally [Video]

Coaching News: Backman in Brooklyn, Teufel in Binghamton and Alomar Jr. in Cleveland

Three coaching moves for the Mets organization today.  Two in and one out.

• Wally Backman was officially announced as the manager of the Brooklyn Cyclones, a minor league affiliate to the Mets.
• Tim Teufel, another ‘86-er, was hired as manager of the Double-A Binghamton Mets.
• And Sandy Alomar Jr., who was the catching instructor for the Mets last season, has been named first base coach for the Cleveland Indians.

Backman officially named Brooklyn manager

The Brooklyn Cyclones have officially named Wally Backman manager of the Single-A affiliate.

From the press release…

"I am thrilled and grateful to be coming back to the Mets' organization," said Backman. "The greatest days of my professional career were spent here in New York, and I have always felt a special connection to the city. I am especially excited to be joining the Cyclones. Brooklyn is a major minor-league team, and I know the borough's fans are - like me - intensely passionate about baseball and about winning."

Backman's appointment as the Cyclones' manager also marks a return to the New York-Penn League for the fifty-year-old Oregon native. Originally selected by the Mets in the first round (16th overall) of the 1977 draft out of Aloha High School (OR), an 18-year-old Backman made his professional debut with the then-affiliate Little Falls club in the NYPL, and hit .325 in 69 games.

"We couldn't be happier to welcome Wally to Brooklyn, "said Cyclones General Manager Steve Cohen. "He has always been a fan favorite in New York, symbolizing the blue-collar work ethic and unbridled dedication to winning that this city - and particularly this borough - values above all else in its sports stars. Brooklyn and Backman were made for each other."

He will be introduced on Tuesday at 11 a.m.

A Wally in Brooklyn?

Wally Backman will be names manager of the Brooklyn Cyclones on Tuesday, according to Mike Silva from New York Baseball Today.

The press conference should be Tuesday, according to Silva.

Backman was last named as a manager for the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2004 for just one day. It was reported that he failed to report a '99 DUI arrest and he was promptly fired.

I’m glad to see Backman back with the Mets organization. He’s quite a character and should make for some fun in Brooklyn in the coming months.

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.

Wally Backman fired as manager of Joliet Jackhammers

In a move that will likely delight those who want Wally Backman back in Mets orange and blue, the volatile manager has been fired as manager of the Joliet JackHammers of the Northern League.

Backman, who has had a tumultuous few years recently, was fired not due to some crazy incident, but because his team just wasn’t winning.

Via Small Ball USA:

“We want to thank Wally for all that he has done and all the hard work he has put in,” said JackHammers Executive Vice President/General Manager Kelly Sufka. “He has done everything we’ve asked him to do except for in the Win-Loss Column. Nobody is more disappointed with the teams’ record than Wally. A change needed to be made for our fans sake and this is the change that we believe needed to happen.”

He’s fiery, a little off kilter and has a history with the Mets organization.  Would you like to see Backman back with the Mets?

Link: Interview with Wally Backman

My friend Josh Levitt recently conducted an interview with Wally Backman, now managing the Joliet Jackhammers.

Here’s an excerpt:

Jorge Says No!: Does your managing style differ from your playing style? 

Wally Backman: No. Not at all. 

Jorge Says No!: Do you still hope to one day have the opportunity to manage in the major leagues? 

Wally Backman: Absolutely. 

Jorge Says No!: Or how about coach in the majors? 

Wally Backman: Nah, I wanna manage. 

Oh, Wally.  Never change.

For the full Q&A, head over to Jorge Says No!