Tony La Russa selects Terry Collins to coach in All-Star Game
Terry Collins watches his team during a game against the Tampa Bay Rays. (June 12, 2012) Credit: Getty Images
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Mets manager Terry Collins officially was named to the National League coaching staff by manager Tony La Russa for the All-Star Game Wednesday. The decision actually was made in spring training when La Russa contacted Collins.
“It’s an honor to be asked, and certainly it’s a thrill to be associated with the game itself,” Collins said. “I told Tony I was shocked.”
La Russa retired after leading the Cardinals to the World Series title last season, but he has known Collins since he managed Houston. “He has a real good grasp of the game, but the thing I like that makes him effective is he’s got a great personality,” LaRussa said. “One of the things we hope to do with the National League team is, just for those couple of days, really have them come together.”
The Mets manager earned La Russa’s empathy for the way he handled Johan Santana’s 134-pitch no-hitter. La Russa called the situation a “terrific dilemma,” understanding Collins wanted to hold Santana to 115 pitches or fewer after shoulder surgery but was unable to stand in the way of history.
“When Santana got the last out, you look at [Collins’] face, and he was the only guy in the ballpark that was not cheering and celebrating,” LaRussa said. “I knew it was because he had doubts about pushing it .
...Reserve infielder Justin Turner is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Buffalo Thursday, meaning the Mets soon will have another healthy body to use at shortstop.