Backman hired as manager for independent league team

<p>Wally Backman, whose last chance in major league baseball was short-lived due to disclosures about his legal problems, has been given a second chance by the independent league South Georgia Peanuts.</p><p>Backman has been named manager for the new Albany team for the 2007 season.</p><p>The hiring comes two years after he was named manager for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Backman was hired on Nov. 1, 2004, then was dismissed only four days later following revelations he had been arrested twice and struggled with financial problems. He was sentenced to 10 days in jail on Dec. 2, 2004 for violating his probation following a driving under the influence charge in 2000.</p><p>In the 2004 sentencing in Kennewick, Wash., Benton County District Judge Holly Hollenbeck extended Backman's probation through January 2008 and ordered him to drink no alcohol during that time.</p><p>In 2001, he was arrested after a fight at his home involving his wife and one of her friends in Prineville, Ore.</p><p>Though the six-team South Coast League is a long way from the major leagues, Backman said he is grateful for the opportunity.</p><p>"I'm very excited to be back in baseball," he said. "I can't even begin to tell you how much I missed the game."</p><p>The South Georgia team will not have a major league affiliation.</p><p>Backman had a 14-year major league career as an infielder, including nine seasons with the New York Mets. He also played with Minnesota, Pittsburgh, Minnesota and Seattle.</p><p>The Albany team begins play in the 2007.</p><p>"We're thrilled to have Wally on board with the Peanuts," said Albany general manager Keith Michlig. "He's a name most people familiar with major league baseball will recognize. More importantly, he has been recognized for his ability to work with young players at our level. His expertise will only help solidify our efforts to develop players and help them take that step towards the major leagues."</p>