The New York Mets Fire Manager Mickey Callaway
The New York Mets fire manager Mickey Callaway after two seasons. In his brief career as the Mets skipper, Callaway has led the Mets to a 163-161 record. After finishing eight games under .500 in 2018 Callaway’s Mets improved by nine games in 2019.
In his first season as Mets manager Callaway got the team out of the gate running. Callaway tied a Mets team record for the best start in cub history going 11-1. The Mets record after that hot start was eight games under .500. Callaway, 44 should find his way back in baseball as a pitching coach. This could be his only chance at managing.
BREAKING: The Mets have fired manager Mickey Callaway.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) October 3, 2019
Francona Endorsed
Mickey Callaway was hired by the Mets after getting endorsed by respected baseball manager Terry Francona. Callaway has spent his entire Major League Baseball coaching career in the Cleveland Indians organization. Callaway served as the Indians pitching coach from 2013 through 2017.
Having never served as a manager at any level Callaway was indeed a curious selection by the Mets. The notorious fickle Mets fan base never embraced Callaway after his hiring was announced. This was despite the Francona endorsement.
Callaway’s pledge to care about the players more than anyone has before did not sit well with Mets fans. Callaway was mocked by those comments during his entire two year run as Mets manager.
Mickey’s Messes
Callaway has had his share of messes this year. None was worse than the incident at Wrigley Field after a game against the Chicago Cubs. Callaway got into an argument with Mets beat reporter Tim Healey. Callaway cursed at Healey and then former Mets pitcher Jason Vargas threatened him. It indeed was an ugly situation that saw the manager apologize to Healey.
Callaway has also been lauded for his use of the bullpen. To be fair the Mets bullpen was a total mess and down the stretch of the season and there weren’t many options for Callaway. But that didn’t stop the Mets fanbase from constantly grilling him. Callaway was perhaps the most scrutinized manager in all of baseball. Met fans would watch his post-game press conferences then bombard social media with their complaints about what he said.
Mets Outlook
Despite the fight showed by the team the Mets have decided to move on from Callaway. The potential candidates will undoubtedly include Joe Maddon and Joe Girardi. With several manager openings thus far the Mets might have to move fast if they want to secure a big name like Maddon or Girardi.
Mets General Manager Brodie Van Wagenen did not hire Callaway. This becomes the first important decision for Van Wagenen this offseason. But only the first of many.
