Here is a recap and summary of Mike Francesa’s interview with Wally Backman this afternoon, which I live tweeted.
Backman says he didn't feel respected. Says he passed along info on Rivera, Loney, Reyes who Mets then signed. Felt it was sign, time to go.
— Metsmerized – Joe D (@MetsmerizedJoeD) September 13, 2016
Backman explained how he watched each play, scouted them and tipped off the Mets on all three, telling Sandy how each could help the team. But he never got a thanks or pat on the back after the team signed them.
Backman wanted to at least be a Mets coach, but nothing was ever offered even though he let Mets know. Was disappointed he was passed over.
— Metsmerized – Joe D (@MetsmerizedJoeD) September 13, 2016
Backman said he was disappointed that the Mets opted for Dick Scott instead of him for the bench coach position.
Backman says team source who leaked he didn't bat Nimmo leadoff, Conforto vs LHP was an out & out liar. Sad Mets painting him this way.
— Metsmerized – Joe D (@MetsmerizedJoeD) September 13, 2016
This is what hurt Backman the most. That as soon as he informed Jeff Wilpon and Sandy Alderson that he was resigning, an hour later leaks were coming out blaming him for things that never transpired and were untrue. He denied he was ever insubordinate. “Not once. I gave my heart to this organization.”
“Whoever put that out there, the source within the system, they lied,” said Backman. “And that’s the part that pisses me off.”
Backman was 17 years old when he signed with Mets, his dream was to one day manage the team he loved. But it was clear he had no future.
— Metsmerized – Joe D (@MetsmerizedJoeD) September 13, 2016
No matter where life takes him, Backman says he will always be a Met in his heart. He started to choke up after he said that and Francesa gave him a minute to compose himself.
Backman believes in Michael Conforto and says he's confident that he will be a great player in the major leagues.
— Metsmerized – Joe D (@MetsmerizedJoeD) September 13, 2016
Backman took some time to talk about his players this season and had some nice things to say about Conforto.
Backman says he used and believed in advanced stats and often used them to make decisions. But sometimes it comes down to feel of the game.
— Metsmerized – Joe D (@MetsmerizedJoeD) September 13, 2016
Backman said he was a big advocate of advanced metrics to make pre game decisions, setting up lineups, etc. But believed that once the game started it was about the feel of the game and the makeup of the players. “These are not robots,” he said.
Backman says he'll always love the Mets, but felt he gave the FO a lot more than he got back. Hopes they stop leaking he was non-compliant.
— Metsmerized – Joe D (@MetsmerizedJoeD) September 13, 2016
Backman believed in the front office but felt the front office never believed in him – or respected him personally and as a baseball guy.
Backman: Gsellman has outstanding stuff, told Sandy and Collins that this kid was MLB ready and he'll only get better. Very high on him.
— Metsmerized – Joe D (@MetsmerizedJoeD) September 13, 2016
Backman pushed for Gsellman and loved not only his stuff, but his bulldog attitude.
Backman paused when asked if Mets were run well. Took high road, didn't fire any shots, said like any MLB team could use some improvement.
— Metsmerized – Joe D (@MetsmerizedJoeD) September 13, 2016
I thought Backman was going to go off on the Mets. That pause was long and deafening. But Wally handled that potential land mine with class and like a true professional.
Backman interview just ended. He was poised, informative, respectful. Hopes Mets will be respectful in return. Nice interview by Francesa.
— Metsmerized – Joe D (@MetsmerizedJoeD) September 13, 2016
“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 that it was time to move on.”
That’s all, folks…
