Following 2007 Mets Collapse, Willie Randolph “Cried Like A Baby,” Demanded His Blankie

A few days ago former New York Mets manager Willie Randolph sat down with the most trusted name in journalism, the official New York Yankees website, to wax poetic about his time out of baseball since the Mets fired him in June.
In addition to the typical “quiet time with my family” tripe that all coaches talk about after they lose their jobs, Randolph also discussed his exit from the Mets and the bitter tears their 2007 collapse brought to his eyes… literally. Lloron.

He recalls: “I cried like a baby when I talked to my guys after the last game last year. … When I took the job, I wanted to bring a championship back to Shea. I wanted that parade for the Mets.” And he can’t help but wonder what Johan Santana would have meant to the 2007 rotation. “We missed by one game,” he says. “One game.

“I promised those guys we’d get back there. I was always with winners. I wanted us to be winners in the worst way. I wanted my guys to feel the reward of rebounding from that devastating thing we went through. I’d teach them, and we’d get back to where we were in 2006. But I wasn’t able to finish.”

Well, it is nice to see that Randolph had the same reaction to the collapse that every other Mets fan did. At this point, if I was Willie, I’d probably be more interested in venting my powerful rage and furious anger at my former team. Randolph got fired this year because of his team’s collapse last year. Jerry Manuel took their reigns, with the Johan Santana that Willie was pining for, and also blew a lead in September. He was rewarded with a two-year extension, which seems to be at least partially unfair to Randolph. If your judging them equally, then Manuel should have been fired, too. Randolph may be getting a second chance with the Washington Nationals, so good for him.
But enough Mets loser talk. If you wanna meet some Metropolitan winners (and losers that you don’t feel like choking to death), then mark November 8-9 on your calendar and head to Secaucus, New Jersey. Mounted Memories is hosting a gala memorabilia show featuring members of the World Series champion 1969 and 1986 teams.

“We’re looking forward to reconnecting with our fans and to have a chance to thank them for their loyal support every year,” said pitcher Tom Seaver, winner of 25 games during the 1969 season. “This event is that rare combination of great teammates and great fans ready to have a wonderful time reminiscing.”

Members of the inaugural 1962 Mets will be on hand, as well. They sucked, but we love ‘em anyway.
Mets made Randolph ‘a better man’ [Yankees.com]
Dreams/Mounted Memories Co-Sponsors Historic Event with New York Mets Teams [Business Wire]
Image [globalnym.blogspot.com]