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Wally Backman Will Be Back With Mets

By Former Writers

December 3, 2013 No comments

In yesterday’s NY Daily News, Andy Martino writes that the Mets offered Wally Backman a chance to return next year as the Las Vegas Manager and based on sources, he accepted.

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With the Mets offering Terry Collins a contract extension, it became apparent that Backman would not be offered the job. At first it was not sure that he would return to the organization, but there was speculation that he might.

Players that I have spoken with have held Backman in high regard and that he is a great players manager.  ” I loved playing for the guy, he is one of my favorite guys in the organization and I have a great relationship with him”, says Darrell Ceciliani. “You want to go out and win for him, just a great guy to play for.”

Backman led the 51’s to a 2013 Division Crown and finished the season at 81-63, and by returning for at least the 2014 season, he will be at the helm as the team looks to repeat its success.

Backman has always been a favorite player of mine and knowing that he is making a difference in the lives of the minor league players and helping to prepare them for life in the major leagues, he is a real asset to the organization.  Since Collins is signed through 2015, it is very unlikely that Backman will be given the opportunity to manage the Mets in the near future, but I still feel that if he sticks around for a few more years, and continues the success he has gained, he will eventually be at least offered a job, just not sure it will be with the Mets.