Are we alone in the universe? Who shot JFK? And why isn’t Willie Randolph coaching in the Bigs? 3 questions nobody can give you a definitive answer to.
Willie spent 24 years in the Yankee organization between being a player and coach. In his 13 years playing in the Bronx, he was a 5x All Star, 2x World Series champ, won a Silver Slugger Award and was named co-captain from ’86-’88. He won 4 more World Series rings serving as bench and base coach for the 1996, 1998-2000 dynasty. He is a staple at Spring Training as a guest instructor every season because, according to Joe Girardi,
“He brings a tremendous amount of energy to work everyday. He’s a person you want around because he’s done so many things. He’s an infielder. People are learning the infield, different spots. He’s managed. He’s managed in New York. I think he’s a great baseball man.”
A .276 lifetime hitter with 2,210 hits and a 302-253 managing record; he’s done it all. He knows New York and knows what it takes to win. His resume speaks for itself. After his time in the Bronx he went on to manage the Mets (we don’t hold it against him.) He was their skipper for 4 seasons from 2005-2008, bringing them to the National League Championship in 2006. 2007 however, saw the Mets suffer one of the worst late season collapses in baseball history. They were up 7 games in the NL East with just 17 left to play. They would close out the season going 5-12 and lost the division to the Phillies. By June 2008, he was out of a job. He went on to coach with the Brewers from 2009-2010 and was the bench coach with the Orioles for 2011, his last job in the Majors.
In 2012, Willie served as the third base coach for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. He also managed the team in the 2015 Premier 12 tourney, finishing with silver. He said it was one of the most enjoyable experiences in his extensive baseball career.
“It was one of the most enjoyable times in my whole life, or at least my 40 years of baseball. These kids put the USA on their chests and they’re like, ‘Let’s go. Let’s kick butt.'”
On June 20, 2015 he received his plaque in historic Monument Park and the fans showered him with applause. He knows the game, he knows how to win and he is still adored by the Bronx Faithful. How is he not employed? Not just in the Bronx but in baseball as a whole. He has the knowledge and experience to make a great coach and/or manager. And it’s not from lack of trying. He interviewed for the third base coach vacancy in the 2014 offseason before Joe Espada was chosen.
“I let everybody know I’m doing my due diligence. Let everybody know I haven’t fallen off the face of the earth.”
As he gets further and further away from his last coaching gig, he finds it harder to keep his name in the discussion.
“My resume speaks for itself. It wasn’t that long ago when I managed. But there seems to be a comfort zone with some of these cats. I get it. That’s part of the game. It’s who you know, who might sponsor you, who you’re comfortable with”
61 years young, 40 years of baseball knowledge and 6 World Series rings. What more does a guy gotta do to get a job around here? His smile is infectious and his presence in the clubhouse is invaluable. He would be welcome back with open arms and he remains ready for his shot.
“Hey, I’ll stay in shape. I’ll stay ready.”
