Former second baseman Wally Backman signs a two-year contract to manage the Arizona Diamondbacks

This Day In Baseball

On November 1, 2004 — Former second baseman Wally Backman signs a two-year contract to manage the Arizona Diamondbacks, last season’s worst team in the majors. Backman replaces interim manager Al Pedrique.

Backman, was the skipper of the Lancaster JetHawks, Arizona’s Class A team in California, posting an 86-54 record. However, he will be fired within two weeks after reports emerge of a past DUI conviction and harassment and spousal abuse charges.