Mookie Wilson Returns to the New York Mets When They Really Need Him

The New York Mets have announced that Mookie Wilson will be working in the team's front office. According to Bloomberg News, Wilson will work with major and minor league players during spring training, and during the regular season, the World Series hero will work with the Mets' minor league affiliates.

Tom Goodwin replaced Wilson as the Mets' first base coach following the 2011 season. The Mets realize that Wilson is a tremendous asset to the team, especially in their current state.

Wilson was pleased with the developments.

“I’m glad to be back. I will get a chance to work with the players in the spring and during the year. Plus, I will be able to look at some of our younger players, which I love doing.”

Wilson identified more with Gary Carter than with Keith Hernandez, Darryl Strawberry, Lenny Dykstra and Dwight Gooden during the Mets' 1986 championship season. He and Carter eschewed drugs, alcohol and the turbulent life styles of many of their teammates.

Wilson was a fine switch-hitting center fielder who has always had a positive attitude and remains a fan favorite to this day. This is a primary reason why the Mets hired him.

Little is expected of the 2012 Mets by the "experts," but little was expected of the Mookie's slow ground ball to first baseman Billy Buckner in the sixth game of the 1986 World Series.

In 1986, Wilson shared the center field duties with Lenny Dykstra. A greater contrast between two individuals never existed. They did have one thing in common, however, and that is they both wanted to win.

Wilson batted .289/.345/.430 with nine home runs and stole 25 bases in 1986.

He has been a player, coach, minor league manager and a member of the Community Outreach Department.