Terry Collins proved to be more than just a placeholder

Terry Collins proved to be more than just a placeholder

by Tim Reilly October 02, 2017 1 Comment

Terry Collins has “resigned” after seven years of managing the Mets, and will transition into a front office position. I use the word resigned loosely, because it became obvious that he was no longer wanted by the powers-that-be.

This all didn’t exactly go down smoothly. Does it ever with the Mets? The sources in Marc Carig’s report last week cast Terry in the harshest light on his way out the door. And in spite of it all, it’s clear that ownership wants to find a graceful landing spot for Collins rather than firing him.

But while I may not be a huge fan, Terry’s tenure deserves to be remembered favorably.

Terry always felt like a placeholder to get us through the lean, rebuilding years. But he was a survivor.  He probably doesn’t get the credit he deserves for steering the ship during the 2015 World Series run, even if he didn’t manage well in that series. (his use of Familia, Clippard’s long leash in Game 4 and Harvey in Game 5…ugh, the nightmares are returning). But he should be praised for that second-half resurgence, and outlasting the Dodgers in a memorable five-game set before cruising past the Cubs in the NLCS.

For me, the highlight of the Collins era is 2016. Yes, the season ended with a heart-breaking loss in the Wild Card Game, but the fact that the Mets even got there amid all the injuries was a great accomplishment by Collins. Look back on that roster down the stretch and see for yourself what Collins pieced together in September. That was his finest work in Queens.

Off the field, Collins took the brunt of the blame for the franchise far more than he should have. I know that comes with the territory, but what he went through with covering for injuries and front office miscommunications was above and beyond for a manager. Sure, Collins deserves blame for the team’s on-field shortcomings. But does that blame also belong to several others within the organization? No doubt about it. 

Terry probably isn’t going to be remembered as fondly as Gil Hodges, Davey Johnson, or even Bobby Valentine. But he was a capable manager who saw the Mets through a dark period, and was rewarded with two runs to the postseason.

So long, Terry. Even though you fell short, you proved to be far more than a placeholder. 




Tim Reilly
Tim Reilly

Author



1 Response

jh
jh

October 03, 2017

That gif is perfect. I remember debating if I should call off work and drive to LA for game 5…opted to watch instead and regretted not being able to be there and give the guy a hug and thanks.

Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.


Also in The 7 Line Blog

The 7 Line Army Spring Training Meet Up 2025
The 7 Line Army Spring Training Meet Up 2025

by The 7 Line February 07, 2025

You're officially invited to meet up with your fellow Mets fans at Hop Life Brewing on Opening Day Eve in Port Saint Lucie. Wear T7L and get your FIRST BEER FREE. Make plans now to kick off the 2025 season with us.

Read More

The 7 Line 7K 2025
The 7 Line 7K 2025

by The 7 Line January 11, 2025

We hope you'll join us for the 2nd annual T7L7K! The inaugural event far exceeded our expectations and we know 2025 will be even greater. Run (or walk) with us through Flushing Meadows Corona Park, up to the Shea Stadium base paths, and back. 

Read More

Buy One Get One Free Deals!
Buy One Get One Free Deals!

by The 7 Line January 01, 2025

We have 7 buy one get one free offers up for grabs! You're able to add any or all of them to your cart if you'd like while supplies last. 

Read More

1

1
Free Gift

Powered by Salepify App

.video-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; padding-top: 30px; height: 0; overflow: hidden; }