Mets Introduce New Manager Buck Showalter
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The New York Mets officially introduced Buck Showalter as their new manager during a virtual press conference Tuesday afternoon.
He agreed to a three-year deal with the Mets.
Showalter is no stranger to New York baseball fans. The 65-year-old spent time across town managing the New York Yankees from 1992 to 1995.
He also managed the Arizona Diamondbacks, Texas Rangers and Baltimore Orioles.
For the last few seasons, Showalter worked as a baseball analyst on Yes and the MLB Network.
As CBS2's Otis Livingston reported, he certainly has the name. He also has the resume and the reputation. And Tuesday, he proved he still has the desire.
"I understand the job description. The job description isn't to be competitive, it isn't to win 80 more games than we lose. It's to be the last team standing,"
Embracing analytics was the big topic Tuesday when Showalter, along with his wife, Angela, was introduced to the media. The three-time manager of the year is considered part of the old school, but as he told Livingston, you adapt or die.
"If everybody think that I'm going to go back to the house or hotel that we got beat because someone had better info or analytics or whatever you want to call it, then you don't know me very well," Showalter said. "If you let your ego get in the way of your team getting better, or the Mets getting better, then shame on you."
One thing he expects is accountability from his players. After all, this is New York.
"There's no place like it if you get it right. There's a lot of people living and dying with what you're trying to do every day. There's an accountability and responsibility to it. It's not for everyone. We'll find out who it's for -- who's in and who ain't," he said.
Showalter knows the game has changed tremendously since he first started as a manager with the Yankees in 1992. The front office has a much bigger role in the day-to-day running of the team. It's something he's ready for.
"I think one thing the manager has to do is create avenues where every department feels comfortable and every department can bring what they bring," he said. "If you're wearing Mets blue and orange, then bring it, let's go. Bring what you bring and we'll create a comfortable atmosphere for that to happen in."
