Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
After Mets Win, Willie Randolph (and others) Fired
By
Peter Trinkle
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
Peter Trinkle
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
The rumors swirled viciously before the game. Willie Randolph was safe for at least the week, but some of his coaches would be fired shortly. Randolph and some of the coaches were about to be axed. There were even erroneous reports that Rick Peterson had been fired.
The Mets scored two quick runs in the first thanks to a Jose Reyes walk and a Carlos Beltran homer and made it 4-1 after 2. But, the Angels battled back to cut the lead to 4-3 with two runs in the fourth. The Mets added four in the seventh and then the Angels added three of their own. But that was it as the Mets’ bullpen did its job and New York escaped with a 9-6 victory and their third victory in four games.
And, things seemed fine until the Mets got back to the team hotel. It was there that Omar Minaya delivered the news that Willie Randolph, Tom Nieto and Rick Peterson were all fired. The fact that Minaya chose this particular time (3am EDT!) and place to make this move certainly makes it seem like he was trying to bury the story, but Willie and his coaches certainly deserved better than this. Perhaps we will get some answers when Omar speaks at 5pm today. Bench coach Jerry Manuel takes over as the interim manager for a team with a $138 million payroll that is 34-35.
Photo of Willie Randolph and Rick Peterson during a game against the Rangers by AP/Kathy Willens
Tagged
baseball
carlos beltran
fired
Jerry Manuel
jose reyes
mets
Omar Minaya
Rick Peterson
sports
Tom Nieto
willie randolph
Peter Trinkle
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Mamdani names re-entry specialist as chair of Rikers oversight board
Christopher Watler will help the department that a federal monitor says remains in crisis.
By
Ryan Kost
Published Oct 6, 2026 at 3:52 p.m. ET
NYC weighs expanding upstate reservoir following drought
The Delaware River Basin Commission is evaluating options to increase water storage, including expanding a reservoir in New York City.
By
Rosemary Misdary
News
NYC weighs expanding upstate reservoir following drought
The Delaware River Basin Commission is evaluating options to increase water storage, including expanding a reservoir in New York City.
By
Rosemary Misdary
Legionella found in Staten Island building's water system after 2 positive cases
By
Catalina Gonella
Legal 'loophole' helps NY Gov. Kathy Hochul, Bruce Blakeman raise millions
By
Jon Campbell
Police identify 2 men wanted for stabbing an off-duty NYPD officer
By
Ben Feuerherd
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 .