When the Mets were searching for a new manager after the 2010 season, Wally Backman was a controversial candidate.  Even though many fans passionately supported Backman, the Mets decided that he was too much of a risk.  Backman had little experience managing at the time, and he was notorious for having a volatile temper.  Despite these pervious concerns, Backman is now an excellent choice to replace current manager Terry Collins.

While Backman lacked a strong resume four years ago, he has experienced a lot of success as a manager in the high levels of the Mets minors.  He has guided the Mets AAA affiliate, the Las Vegas 51’s, to the league’s best record so far this season with 49 victories. He also led the 51’s last season to their first playoff appearance since 2002, and owns a solid 130-99 record over the past two seasons. 

Backman’s success in the minors also goes beyond wins and losses.  Backman has helped develop many of the Mets successful core players, such as Matt Harvey, Juan Lagares, and Zach Wheeler. These players have all been coached by Backman, and it will be an advantage for the Mets to have a manager who is already familiar with the team’s top talent.

Perhaps Backman’s strongest attribute is his passion for the game. His intense personality would energize the fan base, and it will also have a positive influence on the players.  Several former players who played for Backman praise him for his ability to get the most out of his players.  One of these former players, four time all-star second baseman Dan Uggla, had this to say about having Backman for a manager in an interview with ESPNNewYork.com:

Why, I’ll tell you what, if you play for Wally Backman, you’re going to be able to run through a brick wall, because we have the same emotions toward him as he has toward us. I mean, I would have run through a brick wall for him. Everybody is playing hard -- I think playing above their ability -- when they play for a guy like that. 

With the Mets falling to ten games under .500 last night, the time is now to make a change. Hiring Backman will not turn the organization around instantly, but it is the best move for the organization. Backman’s success throughout the Mets minors shows he is capable of handling the position, and his intensity could help change the culture of the franchise. 

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