Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Randolph Firing Was Omar's Decision; Willie Stunned
By
tien mao
Published Jun 17, 2008
Modified Jun 17, 2008
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
tien mao
Published Jun 17, 2008
Modified Jun 17, 2008
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Photo of Omar Minaya and Willie Randolph from October 2, 2007 when it was announced that Randolph would continue as the Mets manager in 2008 by AP/Craig Ruttle
After firing Willie Randolph following last night's game against the Angels, Mets general manager Omar Minaya finally met with the media today. During the press conference this afternoon, Minaya said the decision to relieve Randolph of his coaching duties "was my decision and it was a tough decision," not that of any others in the organization and it was based on the performance of the team in the past year. It was a move that Minaya did not make easily, saying that as the first Hispanic general manager in baseball who hired the first African American manager in New York baseball history, the two "shared a bond."
The Mets, who entered the season as a favorite to win the NL East (if not one to win the World Series) sit in 4th place in the NL East, with a 34-35 record and 6.5 games behind the Phillies. While Minaya said that the team was underperforming, he didn't just lay the blame on Willie Randolph, but the players and himself as well.
When asked why he didn't fire Randolph last week or over the weekend, Minaya said that he only reached the decision after sleeping on it Sunday night. After making his decision, and taking care of logistical matters for replacing Randolph, Minaya took the first available flight to California to inform Randolph of his decision in person. The media speculation over the weekend on Randolph's job is what eventually forced Minaya's hand, "Those sources revealed my thinking, but not my decision." Minaya said the firing came after the game in the team hotel (and announced in the wee hours of the morning in the East coast) because he didn't want Randolph to hear that he was fired from a 3rd party and it would be disrespectful if Randolph was still in uniform. He also said that the two had discussed Randolph's job situation before and Minaya promised to let him know as soon as he made a decision.
Earlier today, Willie Randolph said that he was stunned by the decision to fire him. In the lobby of the team hotel, Randolph apologized to the fans before saying that he was "ready to move on."
Tagged
baseball
mets
Omar Minaya
sports
willie randolph
tien mao
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Early Addition: There's a new hot duck, this time in Queens
Because a mandarin duck has been frolicking in Flushing, here are your early links: RHONY star racked up a lot of parking tickets, 57 best Italian restaurants in New Jersey, Judi Dench said the "Cats" movie was bad and more.
By
James Ramsay
Published Oct 20, 2026 at 9:40 a.m. ET
NYPD hate crime unit investigates smashed windows, ‘Pal Action’ graffiti at UES Capital One
The bank previously faced protests over a $90 million loan to an Israeli drone company.
By
Ryan Kost
News
NYPD hate crime unit investigates smashed windows, ‘Pal Action’ graffiti at UES Capital One
The bank previously faced protests over a $90 million loan to an Israeli drone company.
By
Ryan Kost
A reliably Republican part of NJ, until ICE came to town
By
Mike Hayes
NYC school integration debate exposes tensions between Black parents and Mamdani
By
Elizabeth Kim
Queens man charged with hate crime at Jewish-owned bagel shop displaying Israeli flags
By
Giulia Heyward
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .