Mookie stays on with Mets

Mookie Wilson was dismissed from his first-base/outfield coaching duties when the Mets shook up their staff at the end of last season. But Wilson has decided to accept the team's invitation to remain with the organization. Here's the team's announcement: 

FLUSHING, N.Y., February 21, 2012 – The New York Mets today announced Mookie Wilson, one of the most popular figures in club history, will continue to work for the organization in a role that includes both baseball and business duties. 

Wilson, who first put on a Mets uniform in September 1980, will be in spring training to work with the major league and minor league players.  The former outfielder also will visit the Mets’ minor league affiliates during the season.

On the business side, Wilson will be a club ambassador representing the Mets at sponsorship and charitable events in spring training and the regular season. 

“I look forward to both roles,” Wilson, 56, said. “I am 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.

“This year we will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of Mets baseball and I’m looking forward to getting out there and talking to fans both at the ballpark and in the community,” he continued.

Wilson was inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame in 1996 and was voted a member of the 40th Anniversary Team in 2002.

Since joining the Mets, Wilson has been a player, coach, minor league manager and a member of the Community Outreach Department.