Wally Backman and Frank Viola will both remain with the Mets’ Triple-A affiliate in Las Vegas, Adam Rubin of ESPN New York first reported.
The Las Vegas 51s confirmed the report with an official announcement on Tuesday.
“I’m excited to return to Las Vegas for my fourth season,” Backman said. “I enjoy working with everyone in the 51s front office and look forward to another successful season in the Pacific Coast League. We have the potential to field another exciting team for the fans to watch and enjoy.”
Backman will remain in his role as manager of the Las Vegas 51s while Viola returns as the pitching coach. Jack Voigt will also remain as the hitting coach there.
Backman is entering his fourth season as the manager of Triple-A Las Vegas where he was 77-67 last season. He was the Pacific Coast League’s Manager of the Year in 2014.
The former scrappy second baseman of the 1986 World Champion Mets has been biding his time while waiting for a chance to manage in the the big-leagues.
But despite an overall 840-757 (.525) record over 13 seasons as a minor league skipper, Backman has yet to get that major league opportunity.
