The relationship between new Mets manager Buck Showalter and legendary Yankees owner George Steinbrenner had a long history.
The Yankees drafted Showalter in 1977 and he played in their minor leagues for seven seasons before starting his rise through the ranks of team brass. Eventually, he became manager in 1991, a tour of duty that lasted through the 1995 season.
Showalter had high praise for The Boss on Tuesday, as the Mets were introducing him to the media for the first time in his new job.
“I don’t think you heard me complain,” Showalter said, via Zoom, about having Steinbrenner as an owner. “I knew the job description in New York, and Mr. Steinbrenner gave me a chance to support my family and be in a game that I love dearly for 19 years over there. I was always thankful for this. I’ve saved some letters that he wrote me after I left, after the death of my father. Very touching. But very demanding. But you knew the job description. When you left camp as a minor-league manager, you had two jobs: develop your players and win your league. Not necessarily in that order. Winning was always at a paramount. It’s funny. Sometimes in the minor leagues, you’re losing games but you’re developing players. Well, sometimes learning how to win is part of development, too. Billy and I have talked about this. I’m glad that situation is in great hands here, between the scouting and player development.”
Showalter will be managing under Steve Cohen, who like Steinbrenner in his day is the richest owner in Major League Baseball. Cohen has caused several media stirs, and was a Mets fan when Steinbrenner’s Yankees ruled New York City through the 1990s.
Showalter added, “I was fortunate. I learned a lot along the way about what to do and what not to do. We learned as much from people that maybe there’s a better way to handle a situation along the way, but I’ve always been very positive about my experience with Mr. Steinbrenner, and he shared the same passion for winning that Stick and I did, and he didn’t tolerate guys that didn’t share that passion. I was very lucky in a lot of ways. But I’ve had some great owners along the way. That’s why I’m so excited about Steve.”
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Brendan Kuty may be reached at bkuty@njadvancemedia.com.
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