Wally Backman‘s name has been widely discussed by Mets fans as a potential manager candidate for years. Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear likely he’ll be part of the team in any capacity for the foreseeable future.
In an article by Kristie Ackert of the Daily News, Backman reportedly reached out to Mets general manager Sandy Alderson for the managerial opening, but was shut down in an email.
Alderson said in the press conference introducing new manager Mickey Callaway that he had a list of 35 potential names in his original search for Terry Collins replacement. Backman was not one of them.
While the Mets have reportedly considering bringing back Tim Teufel, Backman will not be with the Mets in any capacity more less manager.
Ackert said in her article:
“Despite Alderson having to admit that top prospects did not look ready when they came to the major leagues this year, it doesn’t feel like Backman will ever be back with the Mets under this regime.
“After expressing his interest to the Mets, a source said that Backman received a curt e-mail from Alderson that sounded like a form letter basically saying thanks for the interest, but no thanks.
“That’s really not surprising even to Backman, who accused Alderson of blackballing him last fall after he was fired. It was clearly a messy divorce, but Backman still has feelings for the team that drafted him and gave him a second chance.”
While Alderson himself said at the end of the season he wasn’t too happy with the player development. This was apparent after the Las Vegas 51’s finished the year 30 games under .500.
However, it’s now a new era in Queens and Alderson seems content with going forward with Callaway and a lot of other new names from top to bottom.
