New York Mets Fires Willie Randolph
Willie Randolph was fired by the New York Mets on Tuesday after a poor season that caused the collapse of the team back in September. The bench coach Jerry Manuel will be taking over on an interim basis.
A preseason favorite to win the NL pennant, the $138 million Mets (34-35) had won two in a row when Randolph was dismissed early Tuesday morning. He is now officially the first big league manager to be fired this season – but he wasn’t the only ones to be let go. Rick Peterson – pitching coach – and Tom Nieto – first base coach – were also fired.
Taking their place will be ken Oberkfell – the club’s manager at Triple-A New Orleans – and Dan Warthen – the pitching coach for the Zephyrs. Luis Aguayo will join the staff as the Mets field coordinator.