Responding to the fans’ ire that little was done to commemorate the team’s past at Citi Field, the Mets announce the entrances now will be named for the persons who have had their number retired by the franchise, Gil Hodges, Tom Seaver, and Casey Stengel as well as naming the outfield bridge in honor of William Shea. Additionally, the venue will feature a team Hall of Fame and Museum, a display of full-color banners of Mets players in front of the Jackie Robinson Rotunda, and the light poles in the parking lots will feature team logos.

Mike Scioscia, who piloted the Angels to its third consecutive division title and sixth postseason appearance in the last eight year and guided Los Angeles past a myriad of injuries to key players, is named the AL Manager of the Year for the second time. The 50 year-old Angels skipper helped to ease the team’s deep sorrow caused by the sudden death of 22 year-old starter Nick Adenhart, who died in a hit-and-run car accident just hours after pitching six shutout innings against Oakland for the Halos.

Jim Tracy is named the National League Manager of the Year, becoming just the second person to cop the honor after taking over a team during the season, joining Jack McKeon who also accomplished the feat with the 2003 Marlins. The 53 year-old skipper, who piloted the Rockies to the NL Wild Card from a 14.5 game deficit at the end of May, is rewarded by Colorado with a three-year contract.

Wally Backman is hired by the Mets to manage the Brooklyn Cyclones, their farm team in the New York-Penn League. The team’s new skipper, who played a vital role with the 1986 World Series championship club, had been given the Diamondbacks job in November of 2004 but was fired shortly after the New York Times revealed the former second baseman had been arrested twice and had financial difficulties.

Bucky Williams, the second-oldest known former Negro Leagues player, dies a month shy of his 103rd birthday. He had become a living legend in the Pittsburgh area over recent years.

Chris Coghlan edges Phillies right-hander J.A. Happ, the only player named on all 32 ballots, to become the third Marlin in franchise history, along with Dontrelle Willis (2003) and Hanley Ramirez (2006), to win the National League Rookie of the Year Award. The 24 year-old leadoff hitter, a second baseman in the minors, hit .321 in 128 games, playing mostly left field after being called up in May.

Andrew Bailey is named the American League Rookie of the Year, the eighth A’s player in franchise history to cop the honor. After struggling in Double-A as a minor league starter last season, the 25 year-old right-handed closer, compiled 26 saves with a 1.84 ERA for Oakland.