While Mets and Marlins players participated in a moving on-field declaration prior to deciding to delay tonights video game, a bizarre occurrence was taking location behind the scenes that led to public statements being provided by, independently, Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen, Mets CEO and owner Fred Wilpon, his son and Mets COO Jeff Wilpon, and league commissioner Rob Manfred.
“And I said, Jeff, thats not taking place. He just doesnt get it,” Van Wagenen stated on the video.
Information about how the video was erroneously submitted (or possibly dripped, as Newsdays Tim Healey noted that the 70-minute video was blank other than a couple of minutes that included Van Wagenens remarks) stay limited, though they naturally sent a storm of debate around the baseball world. Soon after the Mets and Marlins left the field, the basic manager launched a declaration saying he erred in believing the concept came from Manfred. Van Wagenens full declaration:
The reality that Ive put myself and this organization in the conversation in a method that takes away from the genuine point, Im disappointed in myself … and I accept duty for that.”
They talked about the difficulties of rescheduling the game. I apologize to the Commissioner for my ill-mannered comments and poor judgement in improperly describing the contents of his personal conversation with Jeff Wilpon.”
For his part, Manfred released his own statement later, with the Commissioner stating:
This situation has actually just intensified speculation that Van Wagenens days in the GM function may be numbered, even with New York still in the NL wild card race with a 13-16 record. Van Wagenens contract runs through the 2022 season, though his future is believed to be unsure considered that the Wilpon family is preparing to sell the franchise (last quotes are due by Monday) and a brand-new ownership group might effectively prefer to make its own pick for the basic supervisor job. The Mets had a strong 86-76 record in 2019, Van Wagenens very first season running the Mets front office, however his tenure has been marked with the off-the-field drama that has concerned define the group under the Wilpons ownership.
I hold Rob in the greatest regard and in no way are Brodys remarks reflective of my views or the companys. I apologize for any damage this incident has caused Rob.”
From Jeff Wilpon: “To clean up any misunderstandings, it was my idea to possibly check out playing the game later because of scheduling problems. Brodys misconception of a personal discussion was and is inexcusable. We completely appreciate our players and the Marlins gamers decision to not play tonight and appreciate the genuineness of all those who wish to accentuate social injustices and racial inequalities that must be attended to. The whole Mets company stays committed to creating significant modification in our society.”
He just does not get it,” Van Wagenen stated on the video.
” Over the past 2 days, gamers on a number of Clubs have chosen not to play games. I have said both openly and privately that I respect those decisions and support the need to resolve social oppression.
Contributing to the surreal nature of the hot mic event were a pair of declarations from the Wilpons, which each consisted of misspellings of Van Wagenens first name.
Van Wagenens complete declaration:
The Mets had a solid 86-76 record in 2019, Van Wagenens very first season running the Mets front office, however his tenure has actually been marked with the off-the-field drama that has actually come to define the group under the Wilpons ownership.
The whole Mets organization remains dedicated to developing significant change in our society.”
I say sorry to the Commissioner for my ill-mannered comments and poor judgement in improperly describing the contents of his private discussion with Jeff Wilpon.”
