1986 World Series Champion & Former South Georgia Peanuts Manager Wally Backman to Host Reunion Podcast

Staff Reports

ALBANY – Baseball fans and former players alike will have a special opportunity to relive an unforgettable season as 1986 World Series Champion and former South Georgia Peanuts Manager Wally Backman hosts a South Georgia Peanuts Reunion Podcast on March 3rd at 6 PM Eastern on wallybackman.com and various social media platforms.

Backman led the Peanuts to a dominant 59-28 record in 2007, clinching the South Coast League Championship with a three-game sweep over the Macon Music. The team’s journey captivated baseball fans across the country as they became the focus of the 10-episode documentary “Playing for Peanuts,” which provided an inside look at life in independent league baseball.

Joining Backman for the reunion podcast will be several key members of that championship squad, including Tug Gillingham, Steve Butler, Bubber Birdsong, and many more. The event will be emceed by Tyler Onstott, co-host of the podcast “Surfing Baseball with Ed Lynch” and a former MLB staffer.

“I had a great time managing in Albany, and the community will always hold a special place in my heart,” said Backman. “Winning a championship there was an unforgettable experience, and I’m excited to reconnect with some of my former players. This podcast is just one small way to hopefully give back to Albany and the surrounding community while rekindling the magic of that amazing 2007 season.”

Since his time in Albany, Backman has continued to make an impact in professional baseball, managing in the New York Mets’ farm system as well as with the Joliet Jackhammers, New Britain Bees, and most recently, the Long Island Ducks, where he led the team to a 2019 Atlantic League Championship.