The New York Mets have fired manager Willie Randolph. Saddled with a disappointing 34-35 record and nearing the halfway point of in the season, the Amazin’s did what many had speculated about (or begged for) ever since the team’s heartbreaking meltdown at the end of the 2007 season in letting the manager go.

In his third season with the Mets, Randolph was handed a team with the highest payroll in the National League ($138 Million), which included the acquisition of the top left-handed starting pitcher in baseball in Johan Santana, yet could not make a winner out of the ballclub. Pitching coach Rick Peterson and first base coach Tom Nieto were released along with Randolph. Bench coach Jerry Manuel will pick interim managing duties for the team.

You can takepart by learning more about the Jackie Robinson Foundation, a charity created to help young people achieve their dream of attending college which receives funding from the New York Mets Foundation.

LINKS:

AP: New York Mets fire manager Willie Randolph

NY Daily News: Mets Fire Willie Randolph

Newsday: Mets Fire Willie Randolph