Wally Backman Out As Mets' Triple-A Manager
WASHINGTON (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Former New York Mets infielder Wally Backman is out as the team's Triple-A manager in Las Vegas.
Mets general manager Sandy Alderson told reporters before Monday night's game in Washington that Backman "has decided to move on."
CBS2's Steve Overmyer reported that Backman decided to pursue other Major League managerial opportunities.
Alderson didn't elaborate on who made the decision that Backman was done with the Mets' organization.
Newsday's Marc Carig reported the Mets cited a "pattern of defiance" in Backman and that he was "doing his own thing."
Backman tweeted that he resigned from the organization.
"I have officially resigned from the Mets organization. Thank you to all of the Mets fans for your support over the years," Backman said.
Backman had managed the Mets' top minor league team for five years. He started as a manager in the Mets' organization in 2010.
Backman was part of the Mets team that won the 1986 World Series championship. The second baseman was popular with fans for his charged-up style.
Next week, Backman turns 57. He previously managed in the minors for Arizona and the Chicago White Sox.
The Diamondbacks hired him in November 2004 to manage their major league team the next year. He was fired four days later after revelations about his past legal and financial trouble.
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