Wally Backman likely to return as New York Mets' Triple-A manager

Wally Backman likely to return as Mets’ Triple-A manager

Aug 26, 2013; New York, NY, USA; New York Mets general manager Sandy Alderson speaks about starting pitcher Matt Harvey (not pictured) during a press conference before a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citi Field. It was announced today that Harvey has a partially torn UCL. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

According to a team insider, Adam Rubin of ESPN New York is reporting that Wally Backman is likely to return as the Mets’ Triple-A affiliate manager in 2014, barring any requests from teams to interview him for a big league job.

Backman’s guaranteed return was not ensured by the source, due to the fact that a new big league manager with an organization could seek out Backman as a member of a coaching staff. That being said, the Mets are fully expecting Backman to be managing the 51s – their Triple-A affiliate – in 2014.

Backman led Las Vegas to a Pacific Coast League division crown, going 81-63 last season before being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.

Manager Terry Collins and his entire staff were retained for next season by GM Sandy Alderson, making a promotion impossible for Backman.

The 54-year old Backman played for the New York Mets from 1980 to 1988, and was a member of the famous 1986 World Series champion team. He went on to play for six more seasons, spending time with the Phillies, Pirates, Twins and Mariners.

During his 14-year career, he hit .275 with just ten home runs and 240 RBIs. He also swiped 117 bases, with his single-season high coming in 1984 with New York, when he stole 32 bases.