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Wally Backman Named Manager of Staten Island FerryHawks for 2026 Atlantic League Season
Wally Backman, the former New York Mets second baseman and longtime minor‑league manager, has been appointed manager of the Staten Island FerryHawks for the 2026 Atlantic League season. The announcement was made on June 15, 2026, and the new role will begin with the team’s first home game on June 24 at SIUH Community Park in Staten Island.
Backman’s baseball résumé spans more than four decades. He played for the Mets from 1980 to 1988, including the 1986 World Series‑winning squad, and later managed the Mets’ Triple‑A affiliate in 2016. In the Atlantic League he coached the New Britain Bees in 2018 and the Long Island Ducks from 2019 until the Ducks and Backman separated in October 2023. His experience in independent ball and his reputation for a combative style earned him the FerryHawks’ interest.
The FerryHawks entered the 2026 season with a record of 8‑40, the lowest in the league’s history, and are looking to reverse a long‑standing struggle. The Atlantic League, a partner league of Major League Baseball, emphasizes speed and player development, with a pitch clock and inning‑time limits. The league will reset standings on July 3 for the second half of the season, giving the FerryHawks a chance to regroup.
In a statement to the New York Post, Backman said, “My time in baseball is not over. I love the game and take pride in winning. This is a team that has struggled, and I accept the challenge.” He added that he will treat players like major‑league professionals, limiting overuse and focusing on analytics combined with “heart.” Backman declined to pursue a return to the Mets or a major‑league managerial position, saying he wants to stay in New York.
Chairman John Catsimatidis highlighted the club’s plans to improve the fan experience, citing better players, food, and valet parking. The FerryHawks will hold an in‑season tryout on June 23 for college and minor‑league free agents and will honor the 1986 Mets by hosting former player Lee Mazzilli on June 27. Backman has already spoken with former MLB players, including Jose Miranda, about potential additions.
The FerryHawks’ 2026 schedule features a home opener against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs on Friday, April 21. With Backman’s arrival, the team aims to shift from a winless start to a competitive presence in the Atlantic League’s North Division. The next phase of the season will begin on July 3 when the standings reset, giving the FerryHawks a fresh opportunity to improve their record and engage the Staten Island community.
Backman’s baseball résumé spans more than four decades. He played for the Mets from 1980 to 1988, including the 1986 World Series‑winning squad, and later managed the Mets’ Triple‑A affiliate in 2016. In the Atlantic League he coached the New Britain Bees in 2018 and the Long Island Ducks from 2019 until the Ducks and Backman separated in October 2023. His experience in independent ball and his reputation for a combative style earned him the FerryHawks’ interest.
The FerryHawks entered the 2026 season with a record of 8‑40, the lowest in the league’s history, and are looking to reverse a long‑standing struggle. The Atlantic League, a partner league of Major League Baseball, emphasizes speed and player development, with a pitch clock and inning‑time limits. The league will reset standings on July 3 for the second half of the season, giving the FerryHawks a chance to regroup.
In a statement to the New York Post, Backman said, “My time in baseball is not over. I love the game and take pride in winning. This is a team that has struggled, and I accept the challenge.” He added that he will treat players like major‑league professionals, limiting overuse and focusing on analytics combined with “heart.” Backman declined to pursue a return to the Mets or a major‑league managerial position, saying he wants to stay in New York.
Chairman John Catsimatidis highlighted the club’s plans to improve the fan experience, citing better players, food, and valet parking. The FerryHawks will hold an in‑season tryout on June 23 for college and minor‑league free agents and will honor the 1986 Mets by hosting former player Lee Mazzilli on June 27. Backman has already spoken with former MLB players, including Jose Miranda, about potential additions.
The FerryHawks’ 2026 schedule features a home opener against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs on Friday, April 21. With Backman’s arrival, the team aims to shift from a winless start to a competitive presence in the Atlantic League’s North Division. The next phase of the season will begin on July 3 when the standings reset, giving the FerryHawks a fresh opportunity to improve their record and engage the Staten Island community.
