Mookie Wilson stands by criticism of Mets in book but says he has moved past issues
Former Met Mookie Wilson is the author of "Mookie: Life, Baseball, and the '86 Mets" (Berkley). Credit: New York Mets
Mookie Wilson, in his soon-to-be-released book, criticizes Mets management for the way he was demoted from the major-league team's coaching staff a few seasons ago.
But in a telephone interview Friday, he said he no longer harbors any ill feelings toward the ballclub.
"It's true that I was unhappy, but the word 'was' -- make sure that's in there," Wilson said. "It doesn't bother me now."
One of the stars of the Mets' 1986 World Series team, Wilson was the team's first-base coach during Terry Collins' first year as manager in 2011. He was not retained after the season and became a club ambassador, a job in which he makes public appearances on behalf of the team. He also recently spent time with the team as a guest instructor in spring training.
According to an excerpt from his book that ran in the New York Post Friday, Wilson says he serves as a "hood ornament" for the Mets these days. He also writes that he "felt I was watching the deterioration of the Mets organization" in 2011 and wished he had been given a reason for his demotion.
In Friday's phone interview, Wilson confirmed that those comments appear in his book. He did not back off them, but he stressed that he's moved on and has a good relationship with his employer.
"You move past those things," he said. "You can only be mad for so long. Life goes on."
The Mets responded to Wilson's criticisms with a statement: "We are pleased that Mookie accepted our offer to rejoin the organization in 2012 and continue with us in spring training and during the season as a roving instructor and as a club ambassador."
Wilson's book, "Mookie: Life, Baseball and the '86 Mets," will be released on Tuesday.
