Willie Randolph (born July 6, 1954 in Holly Hill, South Carolina, but grew up in New York City), is the current manager of the New York Mets and was a second baseman in Major League Baseball who played for the Pittsburgh Pirates, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, Oakland Athletics, Milwaukee Brewers and New York Mets between 1975 and 1992. Randolph was selected to 6 All Star games over his career. He was known as a top lead-off man, a skilled bunter, and a patient hitter who drew over 80 walks 7 times. Randoph was also an outstanding defensive player, known especially for his ability to turn the double play. However, he never received the Gold Glove, which was perennially awarded to his more acrobatic contemporaries Frank White and Lou Whitaker.
From March 4th, 1986 until July 12th 1989, Randolph served as co-captain of the Yankees, along with Ron Guidry, and as sole captain until October 2nd, 1989.
Randolph was a coach for the New York Yankees for 11 seasons. In 2004, Randolph was named the manager for the Mets beginning with the 2005 season. Randolph earned his first win as a manager on April 10, 2005 in a 6-1 victory over the Atlanta Braves. The win halted a five game losing streak to start the 2005 season. He then guided the Mets to 5 straight victories, giving the Mets their first six game winning streak since August of 2003.
Randolph ended his first season as manager of the 2005 Mets with a 83-79 record, the first time the franchise has finished over .500 since 2001. That record got them a tie for third place in the NL East.
