Tony DeFrancesco
(Steve Spatafore)

The New York Mets AAA club begins its inaugural season after relocating from Las Vegas. Tony DeFrancesco is now the skipper.

Tony DeFrancesco was named manager of the Syracuse Mets on Wednesday. The New York Mets’ AAA affiliate will begin its first season on the east coast after six years in Las Vegas.

DeFrancesco was the manager of the Las Vegas 51’s last season. He spent nine years as a player in the Minor Leagues before deciding to pursue management. His resume includes 24 years of managerial experience with the Oakland A’s and Houston Astros organizations.

In that time he won eight division titles, four Pacific Coast League championships, and two Triple-A National Championships. He was named Baseball America’s Minor League Manager of the Year in 2015.

The Mets made several impressive moves this offseason. One that perhaps flew under the radar was the relocation of the AAA franchise from Las Vegas to Syracuse. Geographically it’s a great move for the franchise as well as the fan base.

Central New York state is much easier to reach for New York area fans that want to take in Mets Minor League baseball. It’s also closer for players that get the call up from the club.

Another plus is the fact that the franchises’ AA team, the Binghamton Rumble Ponies, is just one hour south of Syracuse.

Less than two hours from Syracuse is Cooperstown and the Baseball Hall of Fame.

When asked about his appointment, DeFrancesco said:

I am very excited to be a part of the Inaugural Season of Mets baseball in Syracuse and getting back to the International League. Having us be so close to Binghamton, Brooklyn, and the big-league club is great for our fans, our players, and our organization.

I am a life long Mets fan that has seen it all. From Beltran striking out with the bases loaded in 2006, to watching the Mets collapse and miss the playoffs by losing on the last days of the season in 2007-08 I have gotten used to the joy of being a Mets fan. Of course there has been some winning and hopefully there will be more to come. Mr. Met is a hero.