After two seasons as the New York Mets manager, Mickey Callaway has been fired by the team. Callaway went 163-161 in those two seasons.
While not completely a surprise, it appeared for a moment that Callaway had a chance to salvage things. Remember, on the heels of Pete Alonso breaking the rookie home run record; the Mets made a late season Wildcard run. Furthermore, they were eliminated in the final days of the season; and became somewhat an interesting story.
We will come back to that. For now, here’s the official tweet from the organization which is always dressed up in an interesting way.
Mickey Callaway has been relieved of his duties. #Mets
📝: https://t.co/ZXOBnKyOXS pic.twitter.com/WOhmu2moPK
— New York Mets (@Mets) October 3, 2019
Now back to the Mets. Left for dead at the July 31 trade deadline, they told most of their key veterans they would be made available. Before that, reports had the general manager making managerial calls down to the dugout from his luxury box. As usual, things were completely bonanza in Flushing.
Then- the Mets caught a little bit of fire – closing the year 34-21 from that July 31 date. Still, it wasn’t enough to salvage Callaway; who probably is looked upon as a guy who didn’t achieve all he could given the talent pool the Mets have at the big league level.
Mets announce they’ve fired manager Mickey Callaway.
BVG in statement: “A decision like this is never easy, however, we believe it is in the best interest of the franchise at this time.” pic.twitter.com/X7VI3JKuo3
— John Chandler (@JohnChandlerNBC) October 3, 2019
Here is the statement released from the team before thanking Callaway, and wishing him the best on his future endeavors.
“A decision like this is never easy, however, we believe it is in the best interest of the franchise at this time.”
Undeniably, this is always kind of an interesting job when it open. From Terry Collins, to Jerry Manuel to Willie Randolph before Callaway; the Mets will get their share of marquee names through the door for the chance to manage in the Big Apple. Plus, they have guys like Alonso, Noah Syndergaard, and Jacob deGrom among others which should be an easy selling point to a veteran manager who wants to win now.
Finally, Callaway may not get another shot. Indeed, he finished up as a winner in terms of overall record but there was enough negative press surrounding his time there that he could just return to the prior role of pitching coach which he held in Cleveland. That is, if he decides he still wants to work in baseball.
