NewsBackman tapped to manage Cyclones
Fiery second baseman energized Mets teams of the 1980s
By Marty Noble / MLB.com
11/13/09 9:21 PM EST
NEW YORK -- One of the most fiery players in the history of the Mets is back with the organization, as Wally Backman -- who energized the successful teams of the 1980s -- has been appointed to manage the club's high-profile Brooklyn Cyclones affiliate.The club has made no announcement, though one is expected on Tuesday, and two people with the organization have confirmed the hiring, which is likely to make the Cyclones even more of an attraction.
The club had conversations with Backman late during the season and originally planned to have him manage the St. Lucie affiliate in the Florida State League, their most advanced Class A team, or the Double-A Binghamton team. But now his first managerial assignment with the organization that signed him as an amateur will be the Class A Cyclones. The Mets typically have assigned their best young players to the Brooklyn roster before moving them to other, more advanced affiliates.
Backman, who turned 50 in September, was a successful Minor League manager in the White Sox organization in 2002 and 2003 and in the D-backs organization in 2004, winning one championship and twice losing in the finals. He was hired by Arizona to manage their big league team in 2005, but four days after the announcement of his appointment, he was dismissed. Through newspaper reports, the club had become aware that Backman had some legal issues in the early part of the decade, including a DUI and a harassment charge.
Backman returned to managing in 2007, guiding the independent South Georgia Peanuts to the South Coast League championship. His Joliet Jackhammers team produced mixed results the past two years.
Marty Noble is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
