Empire Writes Back
Fansided

New York Mets: Wally Backman Discusses Departure From Organization

By Kenneth Teape

May 28, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets former infielder Wally Backman is introduced to the crowd during a pregame ceremony honoring the 1986 World Series Championship team prior to the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
May 28, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets former infielder Wally Backman is introduced to the crowd during a pregame ceremony honoring the 1986 World Series Championship team prior to the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Wally Backman discusses leaving the New York Mets organiation after being their Triple-A manager the past five years.

The New York Mets are in the midst of a playoff race for a Wild Card spot in the National League. While many within the organization are focusing on that, there was a story that has slipped through the cracks. Wally Backman, manager of the Mets’ Triple-A affiliate, the Las Vegas 51’s, as resigned from his position.

Backman, who he beloved for his role on the Mets’ 1986 World Series team, is someone that fans have wanted as part of the organization. He is a fan favorite, but has dealt with some off-field issues; he was hired by the Arizona Diamondbacks to be manager in 2004 but was released days later as previous arrest and financial issues surfaced.

The Mets gave Backman another chance, as he has been the Triple-A manager for the past five seasons and in the Mets’ system since 2010. But, he has had enough and resigned following this season. He opened up about his decision to resign, stating that he feels disrespected as he has been continually overlooked for spots on the major league staff.

"“It didn’t look like there was any future for me,” Backman told WFAN. “… I felt I earned more than I’ve been given.”“When you work for an organization and do everything, you want to be respected for what you do. I just felt for my time being there, the respect wasn’t there. I could be wrong. They could say different. They could say they respected me. The things that went on this year turned my head in the direction it was time to move on.”"

The decision sounds like a resignation, but that is not the story being told by all outlets. Many reports are labeling the move as Backman being fired, painting a picture of him being insubordinate; the main problem being him ignoring instructions on how to use prospects Brandon Nimmo and Michael Conforto.

The reports indicate that the Mets wanted Nimmo batting leadoff and Conforto playing against left-handed pitching. It is two things that the report says Backman ignored, which he calls hogwash.

“Whoever put that out there, the source within the system, they lied,” Backman said. “And that’s the part that pisses me off.”

More from New York Mets

The stats would seem to back up what Backman is saying. In 90 games with Las Vegas, Nimmo batted first or second 84 times. In his time in Triple-A, Conforto started 31 of 33 games, pinch-hitting in the two games he didn’t start. He crushed left-handed pitching, going 20-for-41 with three home runs.

Backman also says that he played a role in the team acquiring veterans James Loney, Rene Rivera and Jose Reyes. But, he felt disrespected again as he did not receive any appreciation. Backman also did not appreciate being passed over to join the Mets’ staff during their September run. Usually, Triple-A managers are asked to join the staff for the stretch run, but the Mets decided to add Class-A Port St. Lucie manager Luis Rojas.

Backman also did not appreciate being passed over to join the Mets’ staff during their September run, saying he was disappointed. Usually, Triple-A managers are asked to join the staff for the stretch run, but the Mets decided to add Class-A Port St. Lucie manager Luis Rojas.

It is no secret that Backman and general manager Sandy Alderson didn’t have the greatest of relationships. Alderson was not a big fan of Backman, and his hiring was pushed by ownership.

Backman acknowledged the fissure on the relationship, saying, “I’m not going to say we never got along. It’s all the talk that everybody’s heard. Those type of things. I thought he respected me as a baseball person. I guess I wasn’t the prototypical person that he liked.”

Next: 10 Most Impactful New York Mets Trades Of Last Two Decades

It may just sound like sour grapes from Backman, as people have to pay their dues before being rewarded. But, the relationship between him and Alderson, who ultimately is the decision maker of the franchise, could have worn on him. If he truly felt there was nothing to gain from working with the Mets, it is fair for him to leave and look for other opportunities without ridicule.

Home/New York Mets