In nine years of existence, the Long Island Ducks have become a haven for former major-league players trying to revitalize their playing career.
Now a Hall of Famer is going to try to forge his way into the majors as a manager.
Gary Carter was officially named Ducks manager Friday, and though the former catcher has had success coaching, he made the biggest headlines in May when he said that he would like to become the Mets manager, even though Willie Randolph still held the position.
“I learned that things can be taken out of context, there was no intention whatsoever to undermine anybody,” Carter said today from Citibank Park, the home of the Ducks.
“I was asked a question if I would be interested, and of course I would be interested because that’s where my passion is. If it’s not with the Mets, I would like it to be with somebody else. I was asked a simple question and I’ve always worn my heart on my sleeve and that’s the way I answered it and unfortunately I got thrown under the bus for it.
“That’s the way it works. I learned from it.”
Carter, who retired as a player after the 1992 season, has since managed two teams to championships: the Orange County Flyers of the Golden Baseball league last season, and the St. Lucie Mets of the Florida State League in 2006.
Carter said he thinks the Ducks could be his gateway to a major-league coaching job.
“The Atlantic League (which the Ducks play in) is one of the better known independent leagues, and if I do here what I am expected to do, then maybe a major-league team or an affiliate might catch on the same way,” he said.
Six former Ducks players have made it back to the big leagues after playing with the Central Islip team (Carlos Baerga, Ken Ray, Pedro Borbon Jr., Bill Pulsipher, Mel Stocker and Nelson Figueroa).
Carter said he has been frustrated by the lack of opportunities he has gotten on the major-league level, given the success he’s had in the minor and independent leagues.
“If you’ve won two championships in a row and played for a championship a third year, I would think that would open up some eyes, especially being a Hall of Famer, too,” Carter said. “Obviously that hasn’t happened, so maybe coming here and winning another championship, maybe that would open up some eyes.”
Carter, who played for the Mets from 1985-89, said if he does not get a major-league job based on his work with the Ducks then he might give up his dream of managing in baseball’s top level.
“If this doesn’t materialize into something I am trying to work towards, then I will move on,” Carter said. “Maybe God is telling me to move on and not be a part of the game anymore. But my ultimate desire is to manage a major-league team and win a World Series.”
This spring, Carter, while coaching the Flyers, was on the “Mike and Murray Show” on Sirius Satellite Radio and was asked if he’d be interested in the Mets job should Willie Randolph be fired.
“Boy, I’ll tell you what. I would love that, guys. When I saw that on ESPN today … I got on the phone and I called Jay Horwitz (Mets VP of media relations) and I asked Jay, should I try to call Mr. Wilpon?” Carter said in May.
“If there is this going on I just want them to know of my availability. I’m only a phone call away, because my contract allows me to leave the ballclub. I could be in New York tomorrow, if necessary, because if there’s anything at the major-league level I can leave this job.
“The comments … you know, there’s no spark, there’s no fire – if anything I would love to bring that to the table because you know me, guys, I love the game, have a great passion for it and you know my enthusiasm.”
Randolph was fired in June and replaced by Jerry Manuel.
Carter said he hopes that any negative attention received from his comments has died down.
“I think it’s a forgotten thing by now, at least I hope it’s forgotten,” Carter said. “As far as that goes, my job and my thoughts are now toward the Ducks.”