Weird: Orosco Jr. and Backman Jr. Playing on Same Minor League Team

Wally Backman Jr. (left) and Jesse Orosco Jr. (right)

The Tucson Toros of the independent California League have signed reliever Jesse Orosco Jr. Orosco Jr. is the son of former Mets reliever Jesse Orosco, obviously. He is a right-handed reliever, which seems kind of weird, but that’s not the point.

The point is, Orosco Jr. will be joining Wally Backman Jr. on the Toros roster. Backman Jr. is the team’s third baseman. It seems there could be a Mets fan in the Tucson Toros front office.

Orosco was cut by the independent Lake Erie Crushers earlier this month, and returned home to San Diego. A Toros representative called Monday to ask Orosco Jr. if he was interested in joining the team.

“My dad told me, ‘Hey, Wally’s son is on your team,'” he said. “I thought, ‘Cool.’ With all the stuff they do with the Mets, bringing players back, it was surprising that I never met him.”

Backman Jr. was drafted by the Texas Rangers in 2004 and spent four seasons in their system. He plays infield, like his dad – a 14-year big-leaguer – but stands 5 inches taller.

Wally Jr. was nine months old when the Mets won the 1986 Series. Jesse Jr. was born nine months afterward.

Still, the two players find some inspiration in their fathers’ crowning moments.

“I go back and look at the tapes to see the way he played,” said Backman, who scored the winning run Saturday. “I try to take the heart, hustle and intensity that he brought onto the field every time I go out there.” (Arizona Daily Star)