Mookie Wilson #53 of the New York Mets poses for a portrait during the New York Mets Photo Day on February 24, 2011 at Digital Domain Park in Port St. Lucie, Florida. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK (AP) - The New York Mets aren’t bringing back first base coach Mookie Wilson next season.
The Mets announced several changes in their staff Wednesday. Bench coach Ken Oberkfell, bullpen coach Jon Debus and third base coach Chip Hale will not return. Hale has already been hired by the Oakland Athletics as their bench coach.
Wilson and Debus will be offered other jobs within the Mets’ organization. Wilson was let go three weeks before the 25th anniversary of the grounder he hit through Bill Buckner’s legs in the 1986 World Series.
The Mets say Tim Teufel will take over as the third coach and Ricky Bones will be the bullpen coach next year.
Hitting coach Dave Hudgens and pitching coach Dan Warthen will return in their same spots.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
From the Mets:
METS ANNOUNCE COACHING STAFF CHANGES FOR 2012
FLUSHING, N.Y., October 5, 2011 – The New York Mets today announced that Bench Coach Ken Oberkfell, Third Base Coach Chip Hale, First Base Coach Mookie Wilson and Bullpen Coach Jon Debus will not return to the major league club for the 2012 season.
Tim Teufel will take over as Third Base Coach and Ricky Bones will become Bullpen Coach. Hitting Coach Dave Hudgens and Pitching Coach Dan Warthen will return to Manager Terry Collins’ staff in the same positions next year.
Hale declined an offer to remain on Collins’ staff to pursue another Major League coaching opportunity. Wilson and Debus will be offered other positions within the organization.
Teufel was the Manager of the Buffalo Bisons (AAA) of the International League for the 2011 season and Bones was Pitching Coach.
The Mets will announce further additions to the Major League coaching staff in the coming weeks.
What do you think of the changes? Leave a comment below.
