Wally Backman Joins Staten Island Ferry Hawks as Manager

The Staten Island Ferry Hawks are excited about their new manager, Wally Backman. It’s a bit like the umpire at a youth baseball game who’s relieved to not have to deal with a heckler—someone who knows the love of the game, but perhaps in a different light.

Backman, 66 and a former New York Mets player, has shown that his competitive spirit hasn’t waned, even after a couple of challenging years.

If he’s going to manage, he wants to do it in New York. “My baseball career is not over,” Backman said recently after his appointment. “I’ve lived my life, I love this game, and winning is what I’m about. Losing, well, that’s just not fun. This team has faced challenges, but I’m ready for the uphill battle. I’m confident we can turn things around.”

The Ferry Hawks have had a rough start to their season, beginning with an 8-40 record in the Atlantic League, an independent circuit that prioritizes winning rather than just developing talent for the majors.

The standings reset on July 3 for the second half of the season. Before stepping back into this role, Backman humorously asked the league president, Rick White, for some leeway as he adjusted.

“I teach my players as if they’re in the majors. I won’t have a kid pitch 140 pitches,” he noted while preparing for his first team meeting after a long bus ride. “Every game counts, and there’s no beating around the bush. Winning every game might be unrealistic, but we won’t let ourselves be overwhelmed.”

A cherished member of the 1986 World Series championship team, Backman’s return is timely, as the Mets endure a less than stellar season.

Backman’s past with the organization includes a stint as a Triple-A manager in 2016. The question remains: does he still aspire to join the Mets again, or perhaps continue pursuing a managing role in the majors, a chance that slipped away in 2005?

“No,” he stated firmly. “I’ve been given opportunities. It should have happened, but it didn’t. I’m here in New York because this is where I belong. The fans’ knowledge of baseball here just makes you strive to improve.”

Ferry Hawks chairman John Catsimatidis teased promising enhancements for the fan experience, like improved players, better food, and valet parking, assuring fans that adjustments will follow.

Why Backman? Catsimatidis believed it’s because he has always aspired to be the best. “New Yorkers, particularly from Staten Island and Brooklyn, know who he is.”

Backman is already in discussions with several former Major League players about potential additions to his team, including infielder Jose Miranda, who holds a record for hits in consecutive at-bats.

“I have connections in MLB, which is helpful for getting insights on minor league free agents early,” Backman remarked.

His comeback aligns with the excitement surrounding New York, especially now that the Knicks are riding high after their recent championship.

Backman acknowledged that the Mets might not currently have the best record in the city, but he insists that the essence of winning remains unchanged. “It’s all about chemistry,” he explained regarding the bond between the Mets and Knicks. “Coming back from a 29-point deficit to win the championship—now that’s something special. It’s heart and desire that players bring to the game, and that’s not easily quantifiable.”

The Ferry Hawks are set to have tryouts on June 23 for aspiring college and minor league talents, with Backman’s inaugural home game scheduled for June 24. On June 27, the team will honor Lee Mazzilli in a tribute to the 1986 Mets at SIUH Community Park.