The Lancaster Barnstormers brought an interesting managerial candidate to town this week.

His name is Wally Backman.

If you mention him to serious baseball fans, you're sure to get a reaction — and it usually won't be positive.

To some, Backman is forever known as that guy who was fired by the Arizona Diamondbacks after four days as their big-league skipper. He's the one with the DUI arrest who filed for bankruptcy who has difficulty controlling his temper.

Those are the issues that will forever haunt Backman. They're also the reasons such an accomplished manager is available to the Barnstormers.

Backman, you see, has an impeccable resume.

He's a hard-nosed former second baseman who won a World Series with the Mets in 1986 and stuck around the majors for 14 years. He's a fiery skipper who always seems to get the most out of his players.

"Wally is a very interesting fellow," said Barnstormers head of baseball operations Keith Lupton, who interviewed Backman Monday. "He's always been a winner."

The Barnstormers find themselves in an enviable position. They need a leader and there are a bunch of compelling candidates — such as local legend Tom Herr and former Red Sox manager Butch Hobson.

Lancaster's front office was smart to take a look at Backman, whose no-nonsense, blue-collar approach would work well in the Atlantic League.

Here's his philosophy in a nutshell:

"If a player starts to lay back a little bit, I would take that personally," Backman said. "That's a personal reflection on me and the way that I teach. I've managed four years in independent ball. I can count on one hand how many players have not played hard for me."

When the Barnstormers went 57-69 last summer, they didn't always hustle and they often leaned on excuses for their failures. It was a team engulfed by apathy and negativity.

Backman could change that attitude. He's a high-energy person who could revitalize a franchise that needs new life.

In October of 2004, Backman was one of the hottest prospects around. He was the Sporting News' minor-league manager of the year before the Diamondbacks promoted him to run their big-league club.

Arizona fired Backman after the New York Times published an article itemizing his past legal and financial troubles.

It was a devastating blow to Backman's career. He became radioactive in the minds of baseball's decision makers and sat out two years because he didn't have any offers. Finally, prior to last season, he agreed to manage the South Georgia Peanuts of the fledgling South Coast League.

"Everyone seems to get second chances and I'm the one who hasn't gotten one yet," said Backman, who led the Peanuts to the SCL championship. "I'm still hopeful for it."

Although Backman's goal is to land with an affiliated club, he must face the reality that a big-league organization may not want him.

The alternative is indy ball and teams like the Barnstormers.

"I feel that I'm plenty young enough to work my way back to the top," said Backman, who turned 48 in September. "I feel that somebody at some point in time is going to give me the opportunity. If it means coming to the Atlantic League for a year or two, then so be it. I'm trying to let the past be the past and go into the future."

While no one is excusing Backman's missteps, there's no denying he has paid a steep price for them. He lost his dream job, which came with a $500,000 salary, and he was briefly exiled from the game he loves.

Now he's trying to make the long climb back.

The Barnstormers could be the ones to benefit. How often are they going to have a chance to hire a manager who was considered big-league ready three years ago? How often can they find one with those credentials who has also succeeded in independent ball?

Backman is a great fit. He can build a winner here.

The Barnstormers might ultimately be scared off by Backman's volatile history — which included two suspensions from the South Coast League. They might be concerned about making him the face of their organization. That would be both understandable and a mistake.

Following his interview with the Barnstormers on Monday, Backman looked through last year's stats and discussed the team with pitching coach Rick Wise, an old acquaintance and fellow Oregon native.

What did Backman think?

"In my opinion, there are a lot of changes that would have to be made," he said. "If I was the one who was there, it would be a completely revamped team. You might have six or seven guys off that club. That would be the max."

The season is more than six months away and Backman doesn't even know if he'll get the job, but he was already mapping out ways to improve Lancaster's team.

That tells you something about Backman's passion, enthusiasm and drive.

That's why the Barnstormers are wise to consider him.

CONTACT US: jguarente@LNPnews.com or 291-8777