Former New York Mets manager Mickey Callaway provides a statement after being relieved of his duties on Thursday.
The New York Mets have decided to go in a specific direction, one that doesn’t include Mickey Callaway. New York fired Callaway on Thursday after two years of employing him as their manager. They finished with a combined record of 163-161 in those two seasons with zero playoff appearances.
Callaway, who’s now had longer than 24 hours to process his firing, has provided a statement. Ultimately, he’s “disappointed” of the situation, as was expected.
“I’m proud of what we accomplished together,” Callaway told Tim Healey of Newsday on Friday. “Many players got better, our team improved, and the Mets are in a better spot today to be a World Series contender.
“I too am in a better spot because of this experience, and am excited about where my next landing spot will be in this baseball world. These two years have humbled me, educated me, matured me, and motivated me all at the same time.”
There was reason for the Mets to retain Callaway. The team did finish 10 games above .500 after falling to as many as 11 games under .500 this season.
However, there were reasons to part ways with him as well. Keyword: “reasons.” Yes, with an “s” at the end. For one, Callaway wasn’t a hire of general manager Brodie Van Wagenen. Also, with the talent and potential within this lineup and rotation, the Mets should’ve been a playoff ballclub. End of story.
New York will now go into the offseason with the search for a new manager becoming one of their top priorities.
