MLB

Ex-Mets clubhouse manager Samuels sentenced to five years probation

A former Mets clubhouse manager who admitted to lifting over $2.2 million of team equipment and memorabilia was sentenced this morning to five years probation.

Charlie Samuels, 55, of Arverne, was ordered by Queens Supreme Court Justice Fernando Camacho to finish making $50,581 in restitution payments to the DA’s office for the investigation as well as the state and city in back taxes.

“The defendant had a dream job any Mets fan would die for — and he blew it,” said Queens District Attorney Richard Brown.

Although Samuels pleaded guilty in February to two-counts of criminal possession of stolen property and two-counts of tax fraud, he still claims he was given the items “legitimately.”

The disgraced clubhouse man was facing 8 1/2 to 25 years in prison if he was convicted, but could still face jail time if he violates probation or doesn’t repay all the cash.

Samuels’ attorney Michael Bachner told the judge that his client will be out of town regularly for other business opportunities in New Jersey and Florida — he didn’t elaborate what kind of business.

Samuels made a down payment of $24,955 to the Mets and during his five year probation he is expected make monthly payments to the Amazins.

Over his lengthy career with the Mets, he hoarded 507 uniforms, 828 bats, 304 caps, 22 battling helmets and 10 equipment bags in a friend’s basement in Connecticut.

He was also banned for life from any Mets facilities including Citi Field and the spring-training facility in Port St. Lucie, Florida.