Jul 22, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins former pitcher Frank Viola acknowledges the crowd as he is introduced for a 30th anniversary celebration for the 1987 World Series Champion team prior to the game with the Detroit Tigers at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Former Mets pitcher and minor league pitching coach Frank Viola is leaving the Mets organization after eight seasons.
The 58-year-old has served as the pitching coach at four different levels, most recently for the Binghamton Rumble Ponies.
Viola thanked the Mets in a tweet, saying he ” wishes the Mets organization well. I want to thank all of the pitchers I’ve had a chance to work with the best going forward. Remember “trust your stuff!!” As long as your wearing a uniform you have a chance to achieve your dream!! Good luck guys.”
According to Mike Puma of the New York Post, Viola said in a text message that it’s “time for a change.”
Viola has worked closely with a number of powerful major league arms, including Matt Harvey, Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, Zack Wheeler, Steven Matz, Michael Fulmer, Jeurys Familia, and others. He had been working with the Mets two top right-handed pitching prospects in Double-A, in Franklyn Kilome and Justin Dunn.
