The New York Mets organization has announced the promotion of Tim Teufel and Wally Backman to managers of the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons and the Double-A Binghamton Mets, respectively.
“It’s a great opportunity,” said Teufel. “It’s a new beginning for me and I look forward to leading the Bisons in 2011.”
Teufel, 52, began his managerial career in 2003 with the Brooklyn Cyclones of the NY-Penn League posting a 47-28 record and leading the team to a McNamara Division championship.
The former World Series Champion, is entering his eight season as a minor league manager in the Mets organization and his first at the Triple-A level. Teufel brings a respect and love for the game of baseball and a similar style as the New York Mets.
“I love the game itself and have a lot of respect for it,” said Teufel. “I will pass along to the kids the importance of respect and the expectations of playing good, playing hard and expecting to win every day.”
Teufel joined the Double-A Binghamton Mets in 2010 and finished with a 66-76 record and has a career minor league record of 403-480. Last season he managed prospects RHP Jenrry Mejia and LHP Roy Merritt along with OF Kirk Nieuwenhuis, C Mike Nickeas and OF Lucas Duda.
“I look forward to re-uniting with a few players I had before,” said Teufel “I also look forward to the challenges of a new roster of players and the grind of the International League schedule.”
Teufel will work with pitching coach, Ricky Bones and hitting coach, Mike Easler.
Backman, 51, was in the running for the Mets managerial job following an impressive first season as skipper of the Brooklyn Cyclones.
In 2010, the former Mets second baseman, led Brooklyn to a 51-24 record and took them the New York-Penn League Championship Series but fell short to the Tri-City Valley Cats.
Also a member of the 1986 World Champion Mets, Backman brings a hard-nosed no-nonsense work ethic to Binghamton along with high expectations.
“Certain players are really going to work hard for their dreams of playing in the Major Leagues,” said Backman. “It’s all based on fundamentals. If the players buy into the system then we’re going to be good in Binghamton. I like to win and winning is part of the development of players.”
Backman will be joined by pitching coach, Marc Valdes, who served in the same capacity for the Savannah Sand Gnats from 2009-2010. Luis Natera returns for his third season as hitting coach with the Binghamton Mets.
