Gary Carter is just down the Long Island Expressway now as first-year manager of the Long Island Ducks. But don’t expect the Mets former Hall-of-Fame catcher to be lobbying for the Flushing job if Jerry Manuel’s club tailspins.
Carter, managing the independent Ducks as they open their 10th anniversary season tomorrow in Maryland, has learned his lesson. Last year he created a firestorm, expressing interest in the Mets’ job as Willie Randolph twisted in the wind.
Carter, a former Expos teammate of Manuel, still sends Christmas cards to the Mets skipper.
“If it was viewed as politically incorrect what I said about my interest, I would say yes it was a mistake,” Carter said during Ducks’ media day at Citibank Park in Central Islip, 45 miles from Flushing. “I wasn’t trying to step on anyone’s toes or undermine anyone. My intentions were sincere, certainly not malicious by any means. I’ve learned from it. It won’t happen again. I’ll tell you that.”
Carter’s first season on Long Island begins with a seven-game road trip before the Ducks’ home opener May 1. Carter, who managed the past four years in the Florida State, Gulf Coast Golden Baseball leagues, sounded as if this might be his managerial swan song if a big-league job doesn’t arise next season.
“I’ll reevaluate after the year,” Carter said. “I’ve made my feelings known what I would like. This is a great chance for me because you’re talking about players who’ve been in the majors. This might be a good test for me, and [for] other organizations to see what I can do as manager.”
Carter’s top hitter will be former Mets first-round pick Preston Wilson, Mookie Wilson’s son whom Carter remembers as an 8-year-old during Family Day at Shea. Preston is making a comeback after a year out of the game.
Both Carter and Wilson could be out of baseball in one year.
“If it happens, great, I’m ready to also move on,” said Carter, who also is interested in returning to broadcasting. “I have other options if it doesn’t. I understand the way the game works. It’s not always the most prepared or best person for the job. Sometimes it’s not what you know but who you know.”
Carter said he was not slighted Mike Piazza was invited to catch the ceremonial first pitch at CitiField.
“Maybe they didn’t think I could squat down,” Carter said. “Our relationship is fine. A couple of things that popped out that might’ve been disturbing. I don’t know. But I’d like to see the ballpark inside. Playing five years at Shea, I must say I miss it. I still follow the team, c’mon. The Expos are no longer in existence. Being here now local, I’ll be able to follow it more closely.”