DENVER -- While it's nice to have another former pitcher in the fraternity of Major League managers, Rockies manager Buddy Black said new Mets manager Mickey Callaway has special attributes that have nothing to do with his position as a player.
Callaway, who pitched for the Rays, Angels and Rangers, will be introduced officially on Monday. He'll join Black as the only current manager who was a Major League pitcher. The Reds' Bryan Price pitched in the Minors. John Farrell, who managed the Red Sox in 2017 before being dismissed after the team's loss to the Astros in the American League Division Series presented by Doosan, also pitched in the Majors.
Black was the Angels' pitching coach when Callaway pitched for the team in 2002-03 (3-5, 5.57 in 23 games, 10 starts).
"I thought Mickey was a good competitor, athletic pitcher, could do a few things with the ball, always had a nice way about him -- personable," Black said. "I enjoyed Mickey."
Few pitchers end up managers, but Black said there should be no reason to shun them just because pitching is considered such an individual endeavor. Anyone can develop the necessary skills.
"I truly believe it's not about the position you played; it's about who you are as a baseball man," Black said. "You play this game your entire life, from the time you're a Little Leaguer until you become a big leaguer, and you learn a great deal. Your style is formed as a player, as a teammate, as a person in this game. Your style is your own. I think you grow in this game not only as a player, but post-player, there are certain attributes and qualities each of us have moving forward in the game.
"These qualities and attributes are noticed by the people who are making decisions, whether it's ownership -- whether it's the front offices -- and you're constantly being observed and evaluated by people in the game. That's what all of us do. I think there are certain qualities that are noticed by people. That's how you become part of that fabric of leadership."