It’s been nearly two decades since Willie Randolph was fired as manager of the New York Mets in 2008, but it seems like it was yesterday. At least that’s the feeling of many of his followers and for Randolph himself.
Randolph, 71, recently expressed in a recent interview that he still does not understand why he was removed from his position and, even more so, why he never again received another opportunity as a manager in Major League Baseball.
In a conversation with WFAN’s “BT and Sal” program, the former player and manager shared his thoughts on that stage of his career. “It kept me up at night thinking about it, it gave me agitation many times,” he confessed.
To this day I can’t understand why. I thought that by having some success in this city, one had some credit accumulated. But I have no idea how or why it happened
Willie Randolph is a former professional baseball player and manager. He was born on July 6, 1954, in Holly Hill, South Carolina, USA. Randolph is best known for his career as a second baseman in Major League Baseball (MLB) and his later work as a coach and manager.
Randolph played in the MLB from 1975 to 1992, spending the majority of his career with the New York Yankees. He was a key member of the Yankees during their successful run in the late 1970s and early 1980s, winning two World Series championships with the team in 1977 and 1978. Randolph was known for his excellent defensive skills, solid hitting, and leadership on the field.
After retiring as a player, Randolph transitioned into coaching and managing. He served as a coach for several MLB teams, including the Yankees and the New York Mets. In 2005, he became the manager of the Mets, leading them to a National League East division title in 2006.
Randolph’s managerial career with the Mets ended in 2008, but he continued to work in baseball as a coach and instructor. He is remembered as one of the most respected figures in baseball for his contributions both on and off the field
Willie Randolph was a five-time All-Star with the Yankees between 1976 and 1988, and was named Mets manager in 2005, making him a true legend of the New York team.
Despite the mixed feelings, Randolph fondly remembers his golden days with the Yankees, which he described as a time of enormous personal pride.
I grew up a Mets fan, I grew up in the city. It was a great honor to be the first African-American to manage a New York team
Willie Randolph regrets not getting a second chance in MLB
Beyond the impact of his firing, what weighs most on Randolph is not having had another opportunity as a MLB manager. “It hurt me not to be able to continue to grow. As a young manager you make mistakes, but you learn. I felt I was progressing,” he said.
In 2009, he interviewed for the Brewers’ managerial position, which eventually went to Ken Macha. He then spent two years on Milwaukee’s coaching staff and in 2011 joined the Orioles’ staff under Buck Showalter. However, he never again held the top job.
“It still bothers me a little bit, to be honest. I felt like I could have been an inspiration to a lot of African-Americans who don’t get that opportunity, not even a second one,” Randolph lamented
I felt like I had built up enough respect that I would be given at least another chance
Randalph deeply regretted not being considered again by the Yankees. Nevertheless, his legacy is indelible and he will always be recognized as one of the great idols of the Big Apple.
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