New York Daily News

Push to get Willie skipper job

-

SOME OF Willie Randolph’s former teammates are hoping that the attention he’s getting this weekend spurs baseball people to think of him as a manager again.

Goose Gossage says he wants the plaque Randolph is getting in Monument Park to lead the Yankees to celebrate more of their stars from the late ’70s.

“He should get another chance to manage,” says Bob Watson, the former Yankee who was also once their GM. “He’s had all kinds of experience.”

Brian Doyle, who starred in the 1978 World Series when Randolph was hurt, stumped for Randolph, the former Met skipper, too, saying, “Why isn’t Willie managing somewhere? That’s my biggest question.”

Watson, a former GM of Team USA for the World Baseball Classic, said he’s going to suggest Randolph get that gig in 2017, if he’s not managing. Watson even grumbled that Randolph hasn’t been getting interviews, saying, “There’s a rule in place. That’s something our new commission­er will have to look at.”

Gossage had a few suggestion­s for who from the ’70s era also should be honored: “(Graig) Nettles, Sparky (Lyle). I know I’m going to leave people out, but Bucky Dent. He was a great Yankee. Roy White. Mickey Rivers.

“What a weapon Mickey was. He could beat you so many ways. It’d be nice to see Mickey in there.”

Randolph, who has said he’d like to manage again, was the last manager to take the Mets to the playoffs. He piloted them from 2005 until he was fired after 69 games in the 2008 season, finishing with a record of 302-253 (.544). — McCarron

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United States