#264) WALLY BACKMAN

Wally Backman was selected by the New York Mets in the first round (16th overall) of the free agent draft on June 7, 1977. He made his major league debut as a Met on September 2, 1980. Wally was a valuable bench player for his first three seasons until he became the Mets' starting second baseman in 1984. Backman was a member of the 1986 World Champion Mets. At that point he became a part of the second base platoon with Tim Teufel, and provided additional quickness to a very potent lineup. Wally remained with the Mets until he was traded with Mike Santiago to the Minnesota Twins in exchange for Toby Nivens, Steve Gasser, and Jeff Bumgarner on December 7, 1988. None of the other players in the deal would ever reach the major leagues.

After his active playing career Wally became a baseball manager. His first assignment was the South Georgia Peanuts in the independent South Coast League.

Wally Backman signed his card in the set for my friend Robb (fellow Mets fan and autograph collector) at a Joliet Jackhammers game during the 2009 season.