Wally Backman left the Mets organization to pursue other opportunities, including a possible job on a big-league bench, due to feeling disrespected by the team's management.
Backman had been manager of Triple-A Las Vegas, where Frank Viola was his pitching coach for three seasons.
In his recent interview with SNY's Mostly Mets Podcast, Viola would not comment on the relationship between Backman and the Mets, though he did use the opportunity to praise Backman's skills and impact on his roster.
"I had a wonderful three-year run with him, I think he's a fantastic baseball man and he's wonderful with the kids.