Buck Showalter’s coaching staff was completed last night when the Orioles announced that Willie Randolph will join the team as the new bench coach. Randolph was a bench coach in Milwaukee for two years prior to managing the New York Mets from 2005-2008. He worked along side Buck Showalter in the Yankees organization in 1994.
Randolph has a history of winning in baseball. He was fired from the Mets organization in 2008 after four seasons with a 302-253 record including a league best 97-65 record in 2006. He finished in second for the NL Manager of the Year behind Marlins’ manager Joe Girardi. During his playing days as a second baseman, Randolph was a six time All-Star who spent thirteen seasons with the Yankees. He was the starting second baseman for the back-to- back World Series Championship Yankees in 1977 and 1978. Randolph went on to win six World Series championships in his career (1977, 1978, 1980, 1981, 1987 and 1989).
He becomes the second former manager to join Buck Showalter’s coaching staff, the other being third base coach John Russell. Randolph also finishes the Orioles 2011 coaching staff and joins the aforementioned Russell, pitching coach Mark Conner, bullpen Coach Rick Adair, hitting coach Jim Presley and first base coach Wayne Kirby.
I like the guy’s resume and love seeing Buck Showalter in control of the staff. What do you think of Willie Randolph joining the birds?
Willie missed the 78 WS and was replaced by Brian Doyle. In 80 he was involved in a play at the plate that led to NYY getting eliminated from the ALCS by KC… and eventually led to Dick Howser’s departure from NY. In 81 the Dodgers beat the Yanks in 6. In 87 the Yanks did not make the playoffs. In 89 he was a Dodger, while the Twins bear StL in the WS. Willie was an all-star 6 times but only played on 2 championship teams.
Terrible research aside Willie is a class act, got a lousy deal with the Mets (Minaya was the problem!) and is a great fit as Buck’s right-hand. I’m only surprised that Mattingly didn’t hire him a month ago… And that he hasn’t gotten another chance at managing.
Ross, You just opened Pandora's Box.Sent from my iPhone
Sadler… Ross doesn't know what he just did does he? (As the theme from Jaws plays)… "do du do du do du do du do du do du"
2488….. I'd like to see you go head to head with a stats guy…..
I'm usually OVER-qualified on everything I do…
There is clearly a whole lot to understand about this. I think you created some great points in Features also.
Keep operating , fantastic occupation!