The New York Mets are just 10 games into the 2018 season, but Mickey Callaway has already joined an elite group of managers in MLB history.
Entering their series finale against the Marlins on Wednesday, the New York Mets have already set a franchise record for the best start in team history. In winning nine of their first 10 games, including their last seven, the Mets and new manager Mickey Callaway have already made MLB history.
While Callaway has set himself apart from the pack in the National League, Alex Cora of the Red Sox has equaled his start, helping the Red Sox win nine of their first 10 games. Neither the Red Sox nor the Mets had ever started 9-1 in franchise history. Boston hadn’t even won eight of its first 10 games since 1952. The Mets’ most recent 8-2 start was in 2006.
A key part of the Mets success so far this season has been their ability to answer back when the other team scores. The Mets have responded with a run in their next at-bat 12 times this season.
Entering this season, only two managers in the modern era (since 1900) had won at least nine of their first 10 games. With the Mets and Red Sox winning Tuesday night, two more joined that list in a 12-minute span.
| Year | Manager | Team | Record |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Joe Morgan | BOS | 10-0 |
| 2018 | Mickey Callaway | NYM | 9-1 |
| 2018 | Alex Cora | BOS | 9-1 |
| 1915 | Pat Moran | PHI | 9-1 |
| Source: Elias Sports Bureau |
Only Joe Morgan, who started 10-0 with the Red Sox in 1988 and Pat Moran, who started 9-1 with the Phillies in 1915, have accomplished what Cora and Callaway have this season.
While Cora and Callaway are off to fast starts, Dave Martinez with the Nationals is the only other person making his managerial debut who is over .500 this season.
After a rough start in which he lost four of his first five games with controversial managerial moves, Gabe Kapler has the Phillies back to .500 at 5-5.
In the Bronx, Yankees fans are growing a bit anxious with the latest results under rookie skipper Aaron Boone. Boone has watched Gary Sanchez struggle mightily, collecting just two hits in 36 AB, while Giancarlo Stanton has major league-high 22 strikeouts and is batting just .196. After starting the season 4-2, the Yankees have lost four of five, allowing 37 runs in those games.
One thing we know about baseball is that situations can change quickly. While the Mets are off to a great start with their new manager, the Yankees struggles with their first-year skipper have fans in the Bronx frustrated.
