Sep 9, 2023; Bronx, New York, USA; Former New York Yankees second baseman Willie Randolph at Old Timer’s Day at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
MLB: Milwaukee Brewers at New York Yankees
(Queens, NY) – New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza was introduced to the media on Tuesday, and expressed confidence in his knowledge of the city’s fanbase – having spent six seasons as the Yankees bench coach.
Mendoza said although he’s never managed at the big league level previously, he’s ready for the challenge. He also credited his past stops in baseball with getting him ready.
Mendoza listed off current Phillies manager Rob Thomson as well as recently-retired Dusty Baker when discussing his influences. He also singled out former Yankees infielder and one time Mets manager Willie Randolph. Mendoza explained he “learned a lot the past few years from Willie Randolph, who I consider a friend. This is a guy that — I don’t know if he knows it — he had a big impact on my coaching career.”
Some have speculated that Mendoza and Mets president David Stearns could in fact hire Randolph as bench coach. Laura Albanese of Newsday reports that when asked about that possibility, Mendoza smiled and said he “greatly respects” Randolph.
The 69-year-old Randolph managed the Mets from 2005 to 2008, leading the team to the NL East division crown in 2006. He also coached with the Yankees from 1994 to 2004, and spent time coaching with the Brewers and Orioles.
