The New York Mets introduced their 21st manager in team history, Mickey Callaway, Monday afternoon at Citi Field.
General manager Sandy Alderson said the team originally had over 30 potential options to replace Terry Collins, but shortened it down to six. The Mets brass planned on doing a second round of interviews, but they overwhelmingly decided Callaway was the man for the job. “We knew immediately he was the man for the job,” Alderson said.
“Throughout this diligent process of speaking to a number of candidates for our manager role, Mickey clearly in our eyes rose to the top with his successful coaching track record, winning and energetic attitude as well as strong communication skills with players and staff. We look forward to him guiding us back to the playoffs with a winning culture.”
Callaway spent the last five seasons as the pitching coach for the Cleveland Indians in charge of an Indians’ rotation that led the American League in strikeouts in each of the last four seasons (2014-2017), set a major league record for strikeouts (1,614) in 2017 and led the major leagues in ERA in 2017 (3.30) while finishing second in the American League in team ERA in both 2015 and 2016.
In his first season as the Indians pitching coach in 2013, the Indians had a 3.82 ERA, nearly a full run lower than the team’s ERA (4.78) from the 2012 season before he was named pitching coach. Since taking over as the Indians pitching coach in 2013, the Indians 3.65 ERA is fourth-best in the majors behind the Dodgers (3.44 ERA), Nationals (3.53 ERA) and Cardinals (3.59 ERA).
In addition to being on Terry Francona’s staff the last five years, whom he called the best in the game, Callaway played under Mike Scioscia and Buck Showalter.
Callaway, 42, becomes the team’s youngest manager since Davey Johnson at 41 in 1984. The new Mets skipper believes that this team is still in very good position to contend.
“I don’t think this is rebuilding,” he said. “This is a talented team and it won’t take long for them to get back to where they were.”
“We’re in the greatest city in the world. This is one of the greatest baseball franchises in the world. I see a team that can compete and contend with anyone, and that’s what I expect us to do.”
His first order of business is to contact and speak to all of his players, and he said that he has already had a great conversation with team captain, David Wright.
“I’m gonna reach out to the players, let them know how excited I am and begin this very, very important offseason with them. … We’re going to get to work right away.”
The former big league pitcher said he is going to treat each player like individuals and is not going to judge them based exclusively on numbers.
“We are going to care more about the players than anyone has before,” he said.
Callaway will reside in New York with his wife, Anna and two daughters.
Wow. I mean, wow. What a way to make a first impression and knock his first press conference out of the park. Callaway was practically gushing with excitement as he put on his new No. 36 home jersey and blue Mets cap.
Callaway was enthusiastic and brimming with confidence while saying all the right things for an inquisitive media that had plenty of questions. Certainly a great sign.
The emphasis he puts on wanting to win and connecting with his players was so genuine and quite frankly, it was a much needed breath of fresh air, especially after such an underwhelming season.
Sandy Alderson deserves credit for making such an inspired choice in Callaway, who brings such a vibrant personality and a long record of leadership and accomplishment to the Mets.
Will there be peaks and valleys? Of course, but kudos to the organization for stepping out of their comfort zone and bringing in a young guy who has worked with some of the best skippers in the game. This is a great move for the Mets and we’re excited for what the future holds.
