The New York Mets have hired former Nationals and Reds manager and four-time National League skipper Jim Riggleman as their bench coach.
Mickey Callaway seemed to lack the NL experience necessary for a first-time manager in a new league that 2018 bench coach Gary Disarcina simply couldn’t bring. The Mets should benefit greatly from Riggleman’s insight.
Riggleman, 66, was at the helm in Washington from 2009 until 75 games into the 2011 season, when he stepped down. He joined the Reds as their third base coach in 2015, eventually replacing manager Bryan Price in April of this past season on an interim basis.
In a press release Callaway said, “I’m excited to have Jim’s knowledge alongside me. He’ll be a tremendous resource for me and the entire coaching staff.” (James Wagner of the New York Times)
Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen also spoke highly of Riggleman (Anthony DiComo, MLB.com), adding that “his familiarity with the National League will be a great asset.”
Riggleman has a 726-904 record in 13 years as an MLB manager, and all but one have been with National League teams (2008 Mariners).
