SL1 Birmingham Barons

Wally Backman named manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks

Published on November 1, 2004 under Southern League (SL1)
Birmingham Barons News Release


BIRMINGHAM, AL – Wally Backman, who managed the Birmingham Barons in 2002 & 2003, was named the new manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks today. The former major league infielder was named the fourth manager in the short history of the Diamondbacks and inherits a team that lost 111 games last season but is only a few years removed from winning the World Series. Backman, 45, has agreed to a two-year contract as manager, including a pair of one-year club options. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Backman, who spent three seasons in the White Sox organization, led the Barons to the 2002 Southern League Title and was named the Southern League manager of the year as well as the Best Managerial Prospect in the SL by Baseball America after that season. He returned in 2003 and took the Barons to the playoffs once again before losing in the first round of the postseason. In his two seasons with Birmingham he compiled a 152-125 (.549) record.

The Oregon resident began his managerial career in the independent ranks, capturing a league championship in the Western League while with Tri-City in 2000. In four seasons, Backman guided three different independent clubs before joining the White Sox organization.

Following the 2003 season, Backman interviewed with the White Sox for their vacant managerial position but did not get the final nod. He then left the White Sox organization and signed with Arizona to manage their Single-A affiliate, Lancaster JetHawks. He proceeded to lead the JetHawks to first and second-half division titles and was named the Minor League manager of the year by the Sporting News.

A former first round draft pick of the New York Mets and a member of that club's 1986 World Series Championship team, Backman played with a total of five organizations during his career before retiring in 1993. He hit .275 with 240 RBI in 1,102 career games at the big league level. In addition to the World Series title in 1986, Backman saw action in two other postseasons, 1988 with New York and 1990 as a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

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Southern League Stories from November 1, 2004


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