When Bamby was named manager in 1982, it was clear the Mets were professionalizing their organization, a process which started when Wilpon/Doubleday took over in early 1980, and was guided by Frank Cashen.

Let's face it, though Joe Torre is a nice guy, knew baseball stategically, and was given a mostly horrible group of players to work with, he was a bit of a novice in his stint with the Mets. I never got the feeling that Joe was one of the top managers in the game, up there with the Earl Weavers, and Billy Martins.

Bamby, however, was one of the best. He was a great pitching coach during the Baltimore glory days in the late 60's and 70's, and when given the chance to manage the Brewers, got the most out of a not much better than average staff. That, combined with the Brewers power hitting lineup, kept the team in contention in the very tough A.L. East every year of his tenure.

Do I think Bamby got more out of his Mets than Torre did? Yes.

On day-offs from his day-job: "I might head my boat out into the Gulf, leave the life preservers home and jump overboard."

On second thought, let's forget the George Bamberger era. It was like root canal for all involved.