Wally Backman Hired As Manager Of LI Ducks

The Long Island Ducks today announced former Mets favorite Wally Backman has been named the sixth manager in team history.

Backman, who was a member of the Mets' 1986 championship team, will replace Kevin Baez, who signed with the Rockland Boulders of the Can-Am League earlier this week.

“Kevin Baez is the winningest manager in Ducks history and our organization respects him tremendously,” said Ducks President/GM Michael Pfaff. “Entering our 20th Anniversary Season, it is time for the Ducks to move in a new direction, and we are very excited about our future with Wally Backman.”

“I’m excited to join the Ducks knowing the professionalism of the organization and how much they care about winning,” said Backman. “It’s an added bonus that this opportunity brings me back to New York and keeps me in the Atlantic League, where I have enjoyed managing.”

Backman played nine seasons for the Mets and 14 total years in the majors after being drafted in the 1977 draft. Following his career, Backman transitioned into coaching and now has 20 years of managerial experience, winning six division championship and three league championships.

He has compiled an overall managerial record of 1,127-1,077 (.511) and was named 2014 Pacific Coast League Manager of the Year for the Las Vegas 51’s, the Triple-A affiliate of the New York Mets.

Backman spent the 2018 season managing the Ducks Liberty Division rival in the Atlantic League, the New Britain Bees, and saw five of his players signed by Major League organizations (four Triple-A, one Double-A assignment).

“We are delighted to bring Wally aboard,” said Ducks Founder and CEO Frank Boulton. “Our aim is to put the best possible product out on the field for fans as we enter our 20th season of play. We’re confident Wally will help us achieve all of our goals.”