Wally Backman, who spent nine years with the Mets as a player and spent last season managing the White Sox’ Double-A team in Birmingham, said yesterday he’d be interested in joining Art Howe’s coaching staff.
“I’ve always let my desire be known to come back to New York,” Backman told The Post.
The 43-year-old Backman managed Birmingham to the Southern League championship, using an aggressive approach (think Mike Scioscia) that earned him Manager of the Year honors. He is regarded as perhaps the brightest managerial candidate in the minors.
While Backman never really surfaced as an option to replace Bobby Valentine, there have been talks about bringing him back to coach. Chicago is also considering promoting Backman to the majors.
Backman, who played second base for the Mets from 1980-88, thinks his style would mesh well with Howe’s.
“I’ve seen the way he manages,” Backman said. “He’s an aggressive manager and really played a National League style even though he was in the American League.”