Former Ponies Skipper Rojas Named Mets Manager
BINGHAMTON, NY - Former Binghamton Rumble Ponies Manager Luis Rojas has been named the 23rd manager of the New York Mets. Rojas served as the manager of the Rumble Ponies in 2017 and 2018, leading the team to a playoff berth in his first season at the helm. In that 2017 season, Rojas led the Rumble Ponies to an 85-54 record before falling to Trenton in the Eastern Division Championship. Over his two seasons managing in the Southern Tier, Rojas finished with a record of 149-130.
Rojas becomes the second manager in Binghamton franchise history to become a major league manager, joining John Gibbons who managed the team in 1998. Gibbons managed the Toronto Blue Jays from 2004-2008 and from 2013-2018.
Rojas, 38, served as the Mets Quality Control in 2019 and is entering his 15th season as part of the Mets organization, with eight of those spent managing at various levels in the Mets system. He also becomes the second-youngest Major League manager behind Minnesota's Rocco Baldelli.
Rojas is the son of Felipe Alou, who played 17 years in the big leagues and managed for another 14 seasons. He is the brother of Moises Alou, who also played 17 years in the majors, including in 2007-2008 for the Mets. Rojas' uncles Jesus and Matty Alou played in the majors as well.
Rojas played in the Orioles, Marlins, and Expos/Nationals minor league systems.
The 2020 Rumble Ponies kick off the season at NYSEG Stadium on Thursday April 9 against the Akron RubberDucks. The Rumble Ponies are hosting the 2020 Eastern League All-Star Game at NYSEG Stadium presented by Ephesus Lighting on July 15th. Individual tickets for the Rumble Ponies entire home schedule and for the All-Star Game can be purchased online at www.bingrp.com, over the phone at (607) 722-FUNN, and in person at the Starting Gate Box Office.